
Class 
Book 



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____ 



MEMOIRS /#&$ 



OF 

THE LIFE '/(«7t 

OF 

Miss CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT, 

Who died on the 21st September, 1817, 
In the city of Augusta, Georgia, in the 17th year of her age, 

Compiler from &tttf)enttc papers 

FURNISHED BY HER FRIENDS, AND PUBLISHED AT 
THEIR REQUEST. 



BY MOSES WADDEL, D. D. 

Pastor of the United Churches of Willington and Hopewell, 
in the District of Abbeville, South-Carolina, 

They that seek me early shall find me. — Prov. viii. 17. 
The righteous hath hope in his death. — Prov. xiv. 32. 

SECOND EDITION. 



New York, Printed: 
— , , — 

Htberpool: 

RE-PRINTED AND SOLD BY R. TILLING. 

Sold also by T. Hobson and IV. Barton Jun. Holborn; Barton 

and Harvey, Gracechurcli-street, London; and by 

Waugh and Innes, Edinburgh, 

'l820. 






3 <M b 



Uttommattatiott0< 



ToM 

I have read, with lively interest, the manuscript 
Memoirs of the amiable and pious Miss Smelt, and can 
feel no hesitation in the expression of an opinion 
favourable to their publication. I believe the nar- 
rative calculated to do much good, especially among 
the young of her own sex. 

Yours, &c. 

JAMES MILNOR, 

Rector of St. George's Church, 

New-York, 15th Aug. 1818, 



To Mrs. Elizabeth Jones. 

Madam, 

I concur, with much pleasure, in recommending 
the publication of the Memoirs of the late excellent 
Miss Smelt; being convinced that they are, under 
God, calculated to be eminently useful. Her well- 
cultivated youthful mind, her truly amiable disposition, 
and, above all, her being so evidently a subject of 
divine grace, give the narrative much interest and 



4 RECOMMENDATIONS. 

value. Who, that himself loves the Reedeemer, can 
peruse such an account of a departed saint, without 
feeling his heart warmed with holy affection, and 
edified ? 

I am, most respectfully, 

Yours sincerely in Christ, 

BENJAMIN MORTIMER, 

Pastor of the Church of the United Brethren, 

New-York, 17th Aug. 1818. 

To Mrs. Elizabeth Jones. 

Madam, 
I have perused the manuscript copy of the Memoirs 
of Miss C. E. Smelt with peculiar pleasure, and shall be 
highly gratified to see the work in print. I feel a con- 
fidence, that the publication will be useful, not only 
among her relations and the friends who knew her, but 
also among strangers. It is calculated to be useful 
wherever it may be read. Accept my thanks that I 
have been favoured with the perusal. 

With respect, I am, Madam, yours, Sec. 

JOHN M'DOWELL, 

Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth-Town. 

Elizabeth-Town, 29th Aug. 1818. 



■+*^*-*--*-*>+4i+-*" 



To Mrs. Elizabeth. Jones. 

Madam, 

Expressions of mercy, so distinguished as that 
exhibited in the Memoirs of Miss Smelt, ought not to be 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 5 

withheld from the world. They appear to honour God, 
and to be adapted to do good to the souls of men. The 
impression has delightfully rested on my miud, while 
perusing the manuscript, that mothers who love their 
daughters, and daughters who love their mothers, and 
all who love our Lord Jesus Christ, will find much in 
this brief narrative which they will wish to cherish and 
wish to remember. It is with pleasure, Madam, that I 
commit this testimony of my approbation of the work 
to your disposal. 

With earnest prayers for the divine blessing upon 
this little volume, and with sentiments of personal 
respect and kindness, 

I am, Madam, 

Your obedient servant, 

GARDINER SPRING, 

Pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church. 

New- York, 6th Sept. 1818. 



To Mrs. Elizabeth Jones. 

Madam, 
I have read the Memoirs of your late niece, Miss 
Smelt, with much interest. They form a piece of 
biography which promises to be profitable, and cannot 
fail to be interesting to both old and young. We have 
here " the words of truth and soberness" uttered under 
circumstances the most solemn and impressive : and I 
would gladly hope, that while those who are encom- 
passed with the temptations peculiar to youth, read 
the warnings and exhortations of the dying Miss Smelt, 
they will be led to feel the vanity of all earthly things, 

A3 



<5 RECOMMENDATIONS. 

and the infinite importance of death and eternity. And 
what parent can survey her triumphs over " the last 
enemy," and compare them with her previous history, 
without seeing how rich a blessing attends parental 
fidelity in bringing up a child " in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord r» 

Permit me to express my sincere sympathy for her 
bereaved parent, and believe me 

Your obedient servant, 

J. M. MATHEWS, 

Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church in Garden-street. 

New-York, 15th Sept. 1818. 



PREFACE* 



The following narrative is presented to the 
public, at the earnest request of a number of 
friends of the deceased Miss Smelt. She had 
endeared herself to a numerous circle, by her 
many virtues and affable deportment. Her 
mind was well cultivated, and her manners 
highly polished. The easy circumstances in 
which she was born and lived, together with 
the circle of society in which she was wont to 
move, afforded her advantages which but few 
enjoy. It was, therefore, thought by many 
who witnessed the last scenes of her life, that 
such a testimony as she gave to the truth and. 
power of vital Christianity, if made public, 



8 PREFACE. 

might be useful in promoting the best interests 
of many who had no personal acquaintance 
with her. 

Accordingly, the whole of the following in- 
formation concerning her was drawn up by 
several persons who knew her well, and wit- 
nessed the most interesting facts hereafter 
recorded. The papers containing this infor- 
mation were presented to the editor, with a 
request that he would revise, arrange, and pre- 
pare them for publication. With this request 
he felt it his duty to endeavour to comply. 
The distance at which he resides from Augusta, 
deprived him of any personal knowledge of 
Miss Smelt, from the period of her infancy, 
when he baptized her. This want of a later 
personal knowledge he much regrets ; yet from 
the concurrent testimony of many pious and 
worthy characters, he does not entertain the 
smallest doubt of the truth of a single fact 
recorded in the following narrative. The pro- 
-bity and piety of the persons concerned in 
furnishing its materials, are too well known to 



PREEACE. B 

admit any dread of suspicion or contradic- 
tion. Besides, the most interesting facts related 
were witnessed by many respectable persons, 
who can attest their authenticity; for " this 
thing was not done in a corner" 

The editor has not enlarged any part of the. 
narrative, nor added any comments of his own, 
in the course of it. He has only compiled the 
information communicated by others. Some 
words he has changed, and some alterations 
have been made in the arangement ; but in no 
instance has there been any alteration made in 
the sense of a single paragraph. The conclud- 
ing remarks he has added, and a part of the 
genealogy in the beginning he has given from 
his own knowledge. 

Perspicuity has been his object through the 
whole of the narrative. To attain this has been 
found difficult in some places, where a conver- 
sation is related between two persons of the 
same sex. However, he hopes that, in general, 
the whole will be found intelligible by those 
who peruse it. 



10 PREFACE, 

Lucrative motives, he is persuaded, have had 
no influence in sending this little volume to the 
public eye. The circumstances of those who 
are most nearly related to the deceased do not 
require any aid derived from such a source ; 
and he is sure their minds would not suffer such 
a motive to have any weight. The editor has 
no secular interest in its publication. His 
earnest wish is, that it may prove conducive to 
the glory of God and the salvation of souls. 

MOSES WADDEL. 

Willington, South-Carolina, 
24th June, 1818. 



MEMOIRS 

OF 

THE LIFE 

OF 

Miss Caroline Elizabeth Smelt, 



Miss Caroline Elizabeth Smelt, the 
subject of the following narrative, was born in 
the city of Augusta, iu the state of Georgia, on 
the Lord 's-day morning, December 28th ? 1800. 
Her ancestors, so far as is known, were respect- 
able. Her father, Dr. Dennis Smelt, was born 
in Essex county, in the state of Virginia, on the 
23d day of November, 1763. His father, the 
Rev. John Smelt, was a clergyman of the Epis- 
copal church; he was born in England, edu- 
cated at Oxford, and emigrated to America in 
early life, where he married a lady of Virginia, 
who gave birth to the Doctor. 

Doctor Smelt was educated at William and 
Mary College, in his native state. In the year 
1786 he went to England for the purpose of 
completing his medical studies: where he re- 
mained three years, and then returned to his 
native land. The state of Georgia, at that time, 
offered many attractions to young men of talents 



12 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

and enterprise. Accordingly, the Doctor deter- 
mined on removing thither, and selected Augusta 
as the place of his future residence, where he 
settled in 1789. Here his medical skill and 
industrious attention to the duties of his profes- 
sion, soon procured him a large share of public 
confidence, as well as an extensive and lucrative 
practice. 

In the year 1006 he was elected, by his fellow- 
citizens, as a member to represent them in the 
Congress of the Uuited States. After acting 
five years in this capacity, he retired from the 
service of his country, to repose in the bosom 
of his family. 

In the year 1798 he received in marriage the 
hand of Miss Mary Cooper, an amiable and 
accomplished young lady of Augusta. She was 
a daughter of Mr. Ananias Cooper, a respect- 
able merchant, then living in the city, but since 
dead. Mr. Cooper's parents were both natives 
of Amsterdam, from which place they emigrated 
to New York, but at what period is not known 
to the writer of this narrative. Shortly after 
Mr. Cooper's birth he lost his father. His mother 
lived sixty-three years. She died in the city of 
New- York. She was of exemplary piety, and 
considered, by good judges, an intelligent and 
accomplished lady. She spoke and wrote the 
English language, and several others, with cor- 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 13 

rectness. It was observed, by the minister who 
preached her funeral sermon, that " she had been 
a member of the church more than thirty years, 
during all which time she had been a shining 
light, and had never brought a blush upon her 
childrens* cheeks, nor the slightest blemish on 
the cause of religion." Mrs. Cooper, the mother 
of Mrs. Smelt, was a native of Ireland. She emi- 
grated to Philadelphia when young, where she 
was married to Mr. Cooper, by whom she had 
five daughters: of these, Mrs. Smelt was the 
third. In January, 1770, while the British army 
were in the city of Philadelphia, and great dis- 
order was prevalent there, Mrs. Cooper thought 
it expedient to retire to a place of quiet, as she 
expected shortly to be the mother of a third 
child. Accordingly, Bethlehem, in the state of 
Pennsylvania, was determined on as a place 
of retirement ; but before she reached that vil- 
lage she was compelled to stop at a farmer's 
house, within a few miles of Bethlehem, where 
Mrs. Smelt was born, on the 31st of January, 
1778. 

Mrs. Cooper survived her husband some years, 
and died near Augusta, in the year 1813, in the 
1 70th year of her age. She had long been a pro- 
fessor of religion, and left an unquestionable 
testimony of her faith in Jesus. She died a 
most triumphant death. With a heavenly coun- 



14 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

tenance she exclaimed " Lord Jesus, receive 
my spirit !" and immediately expired without a 
struggle. 

The preceding imperfect sketch of Miss Caro- 
line^ ancestors is prefixed to gratify the innocent 
curiosity which may be felt by her friends, or 
any of those who may read her memoirs. 

Miss Caroline was not the first child of her 
parents. A son, named John, was the first pledge 
of their wedded love. This son afforded his 
parents all that happiness, in prospect, which a 
promising infant could possibly furnish, during 
thirteen months. It pleased Him who " blessed 
little children," to take this interesting child 
from his earthly parents, at that early age, to be 
with himself. 

About four months after this bereavement the 
hearts of these parents were gladdened by the 
birth of a daughter; and this daughter was 
Caroline Elizabeth. From early childhood she 
discovered strong marks of an intelligent mind, 
blended with much meekness, modesty, and be- 
nevolence of disposition. At the age of eighteen 
months she was uncommonly engaging and in- 
teresting. She could, even then, repeat many 
little prayers with such a distinct articulation as 
is not usual at that tender age» When only two 
years old she could repeat a number of short 
instructive lessons which she had committed 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 15 

to memory, and deliver them with such pathos, 
propriety of emphasis, and expression of coun- 
tenance, as to surprise and gratify all who 
heard her. 

Many circumstances occurred in the dawn of 
her life, calculated to delight and iucrease paren- 
tal affection, which are so far effaced by time and 
succeding events, as only to leave on the me- 
mory a general impression that they gave rise to 
pleasing hopes of future excellence. A few little 
anecdotes are still recollected ; some of which 
shall be here inserted, as they may tend, in some 
measure, to show the sensibility of heart which 
she possessed while she was yet a babe. 

When she was not more than three years old, 
on a very cold, wet, and stormy winter night, she 
was seated by her mother in a little chair, amus- 
ing her with her innocent prattle. Her mother, 
feeling desirous to improve the evening as profit- 
ably as possible, called the attention of her little 
daughter to the comforts which they then enjoy- 
ed, and contrasted them with the situation of the 
indigent. She then related to Caroline the cir- 
cumstances of a poor, afflicted little female 
orphan, without clothes, food, or a permanent 
home. This recital soon drew tears from the 
eyes of the little hearer, accompanied with sobs. 
After sitting some time, she wiped off her tears 
and appeared to be engaged in deep thought. At 



16 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

length she rose from her chair, and approached 
her mother, saying, " My dear mamma, I have 
been thinking how I could relieve this poor little 
girl. Will you please to let our good old servant 
Nancy take me directly to her? I wish to bring 
her home with me to-night ; she shall sleep in 
my bed, and I will give her some of my frocks, 
and a pair of my red shoes." On being told that 
it was dark and rainy, and that she had better 
defer her intended charity until the next morning, 
she replied, " O no, mamma, please to let me go 
to-night, for you said she had nothing to eat/' 
Her mother then observed that it was too late, 
and she would get wet, perhaps take cold, and be 
sick. " O no, mamma, I shall feel better ; I wish 
to bring her here to-night, and you will be her 
mamma too ; won't you." To see how far her 
feelings would carry her, her mother had the ser- 
vant called, her little bonnet and mantle tied on, 
and she actually proceeded, with firm intention, 
to the street. But here her natural timidity dis- 
covered itself, by her cleaving to the servant, and 
kindly asking her to take her little hand in hers, 
and hold the umbrella over her. They had not 
been allowed to proceed many steps, before her 
mother called them back ; being fully satisfied 
as to the motives which influenced her child. 
Little Caroline expressed much disappointment, 
and could not be consoled until she received 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 17 

every assurance from her mother that the little 
sufferer had been provided for. The next day 
the subject was renewed, and the frocks and 
shoes were tendered. 

At the age of four years she was sent to school, 
and made such proficiency as to give general 
satisfaction to all concerned. By her docility, 
amiable disposition, and obedient behaviour, she 
also gained the friendship and affection of her 
intelligent preceptress, which continued unim- 
paired to the end of her life. Very many, if not 
all, of her school-mates loved her, and were ten- 
derly beloved by her.. As soon as she could 
read she evinced great delicacy of taste in the 
selection of little books to occupy her leisure 
hours; and would comment on what she had 
read, with unusual correctness. 

When she was between five and six years old, 
she had been one evening engaged in reading a 
little book descriptive of the characters of two 
little girls. The one was very rich, an only child, 
but exceedingly bold, passionate, obstinate, and 
uncharitable: the other was poor, and in a state 
of great bodily sufferings, but very amiable. She 
appeared much disgusted with the bad girl, and 
wondered that the wealth had not been given to 
the good child. A moralizing dialogue then en- 
sued between her and her mother. Shortly after- 
wards, Caroline retired to bed, and her mother 

B 



18 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

thought she had fallen asleep, as she had Iain 
perfectly quiet for some time; when to the sur- 
prise of Mrs. Smelt, her little daughter rose up 
in the bed, and with great feeling said, " My 
dear mamma, I hope I shall never be such a vain 
boaster, and such an undutiful child as that bad 
girl was. I would much rather be as poor and 
as afflicted as that other, if I could be as good." 
She seemed much affected, and as if she had been 
engaged in deep reflection on the subject. Her 
mother then gave her such advice as she thought 
would assist her to see her duty, and realise the 
good wishes she had formed. This appeared to 
console her youthful mind, and soon after she 
fell asleep. 

About this period she became much engaged 
with her catechism. In questioning her one day, 
as to her comprehension of the ten command- 
ments, her mother was much gratified by the 
correctness of many of her answers. One of 
them is distinctly remembered ; and although it 
be infantile in the manner of expression, yet it is 
strong, and shows her views on the subject. Her 
mother asked her if she understood the meaning 
of that command, which requires us to " love 
our ueighbour as ourselves? 1 ' She replied, with 
great modesty, " I believe I do." " You know/' 
said she, " when my dear old grandmamma 
comes to see us, she always brings some little 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 19 

token of her remembrance to cousin Cornelia 
and myself; and she always says, * Come here, 
my little Caroline, take this, and divide it with 
Cornelia/ She gives it to me first, because she 
says I am your only little pet. Well, I take it, 
(perhaps it is only a biscuit, perhaps only a sin*- 
gle apple,) and I divide it, taking care always to 
give cousin the biggest part. Now, is not this 
loving my neighbour as myself?" 

When she was about six years old, it was 
thought expedient to send her to a dancing 
school. Nearly all her little schoolmates had 
already entered. It was proposed to her; she 
evinced disapprobation; but, with her usual 
submission, yielded to the wishes of those whom 
she loved. She was taken by her mother, who 
supposed, that as soon as Caroline should see 
her young friends, and hear the music, she would 
be reconciled to remain. But on entering the 
school she discovered great agitation and terror, 
intreated her mother not to leave her, and burst 
into tears. Mrs. Smelt, much surprised and 
disconcerted, returned home with her, and in- 
quired the cause of her agitation. Still trem- 
bling, she replied, " My dear mamma, [ cannot 
tell you, but I felt so much alarm, I could not 
stay. I hope you will never desire me to go to 
that school again, I can hop and jump about 
enough at home, without going to that school to 



20 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

learn." Her mother then told her, that she had 
mortified her exceedingly by exposing her weak- 
ness before so many persons ; many of whom 
would probably call her, a spoiled baby, and 
charge the fault to her. Caroline then replied, 
" I do not regard any reproaches my conduct 
on this occasion may bring upon me, if you will 
forgive me, and not desire me to go again/' 

No farther attempt was made to have her 
taught dancing, until she was ten years old. She 
then showed the same disapprobation, and the 
same submission. She was told, that it was an 
accomplishment which her friends wished her to 
acquire ; that it would qualify her better for ap- 
pearing in that society in which she was intend- 
ed to move; and would contribute much to render 
her easy and graceful in her deportment. She 
smiled, and observed " it was strange reasoning; 
and that any thing so light and trifling in its 
nature, should qualify her better for the society 
of rational beings, was surprising. She entered, 
and soon became what the world calls an elegant 
and graceful dancer. Before the expiration of 
the last quarter she requested leave to retire ; 
observing, that her friends had complimented 
her on the proficiency she had made ; and as she 
had answered their wishes, she begged leave to 
give up further attendance on the school. She 
was persuaded to finish the quarter; but fre- 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 21 

quently, when preparing for the dance, would 
shed tears, and say that she " felt great repug- 
nance to bestow so, much time on a thing of 
which she never should be fond. For this, her 
friends were unable to account, as there was not 
the least tincture of melancholy in her disposi- 
tion. On the contrary, she was extremely cheer- 
ful and happy, but never volatile ; sprightly and 
animated in conversation, but never counte- 
nanced or descended to levity. 

In her eighth year she was called to experience 
a most afflictive dispensation of Divine Provi- 
dence, in the death of a darling little sister, who 
was three years younger than herself. She was 
greatly grieved, but displayed much resignation 
to the will of God ; and directed her sympathy 
and affectionate condolence, to the consolation 
of her afflicted mother. Mrs. Smelt had enjoyed 
but feeble health for several years, and her mind 
had been deeply exercised, in seeking to secure 
the best interests of her own soul. This bereave- 
ment laid her low in the valley of humiliation. 
She was visited by many pious friends and mi- 
nisters of the gospel. When her mother was 
engaged in conversation with them, reading the 
Scriptures, or other religious works, little Caro- 
line would give her whole attention to the sub- 
ject, and she has since told her mother, that from 
that period she dated the first perceptible ope- 

£3 



22 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

rations of divine grace upon her heart. For, said 
she, " so -clear was my comprehension of the plan 
of salvation through a Redeemer, that I under- 
stood it as well, and believed in it as firmly, at 
eight years of age, as I do now on my death- 
bed. r She also observed, " that it had often 
been a matter of astonishment to her, even at 
that early period, that she should have had such 
clear conceptions of a subject which caused so 
much investigation and doubt in the minds of 
older persons." She was always attentive to 
religious instruction, and at the age just men- 
tioned, particularly so. Her mother never asked 
her to retire with her, for the purpose of private 
prayer, without finding her ready, and immedi- 
ately willing to attend, let her little engagements 
be what they might. She would bow on her 
little knees, with so much sweet humility, and so 
silently and patiently engage in this solemn duty, 
as to afford her affectionate mother the greatest 
delight, particularly when she could see her, at 
the close of the duty, wiping the precious tears 
from her infantile cheeks. 

When Caroline was a little more than eight 
years old, her curiosity was considerably excited 
to see the Augusta races. As a number of her 
little friends were going, she asked permission to 
attend also. Her mother, feeling confident that 
ker little daughter did not understand the nature 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT, 23 

of this amusement, did not hesitate to indulge 
her. She was, accordingly, one day placed un- 
der the care of a particular friend, and went ; but 
before the race was over she was brought home 
as pale as a little corpse. On inquiring the 
cause of her returning in that manner, she said, 
" she had been very much disappointed in the 
amusement; that she had seen nothing but a 
frightful confusion, and the poor horses whipped 
and run almost to death; that she had con- 
cealed her terror as much as possible, for fear 
of interrupting the friends with whom she was ; 
but at length two men got to fighting near the 
carriage in which she was seated, and she 
heard a loud exclamation of War ! War ! which 
alarmed her so exceedingly that she was near 
fainting ; when her friend, seeing her situation, 
brought her away immediately." She, ever 
afterwards, evinced a great abhorrence of this 
amusement. 

Perhaps a more happy, meek, or affectionate 
disposition than that which she possessed has 
rarely ever been known. Always desirous of 
making every one around her partake, as much 
as possible, of the blessings she enjoyed, she ex- 
tended this principle to friends, strangers, ser- 
vants, and even to animals. It is well recollected, 
that soon after the races before mentioned, a 
joung friend presented her with a beautiful little 



24 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

ring-dove in a cage. At first Caroline was much 
delighted with the present; but after a short 
time she expressed great sympathy for the poor 
bird ; and said she should feel more pleasure in 
owning it, if it were not confined like a little pri- 
soner, A friend then assured her, that if she 
would open the cage door and let it out, the bird 
was so domesticated that it would not fly away, 
but would exercise itself on the trees in the yard, 
and return to the cage. The experiment was 
immediately made, but the bird never returned. 
Instead of being distressed by this circumstance, 
she seemed to be gratified. Her mother was sur- 
prised, who supposed that she had become weary 
of her little charge ; but soon afterwards, in con- 
versation on this subject, Caroline cleared her- 
self of this suspicion, by saying that she did not 
think it right to imprison little birds, and sepa- 
rate them from their mothers ; that she hoped 
her ring-dove had found its mamma, and that 
was the cause of its not returning. She was glad 
that she had let it go ; for " O how happy the 
poor mother and little dove must have been, in 
meeting after so long an absence ;" and con- 
cluded by saying, she hoped none of her friends 
would again present her with a bird in a cage; 
for she would much rather see them hopping 
about on the trees, and hear their delightful 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 25 

little notes, in the open air, than to have them 
deprived of their liberty, on her account. 

There was one singularity in her disposition 
while she was a child, which was often remark- 
ed by those about her, viz. that she never disco- 
vered a fondness for toys of any description ; on 
the contrary, she rather manifested an aversion 
to them. She was often presented with a va- 
riety, particularly of dolls, of which, most little 
girls are very fond. But she never made any use 
of them, as an amusement for herself; and would 
cheerfully bestow them on little friends who she 
knew took pleasure in them. She was of so 
domestic a disposition, always so much more 
attached to home than any other place, that her 
mother frequently endeavoured to promote her 
amusement, by inviting her attention to those 
innocent play-things. But, one day she observed 
to her mamma, that she could take no pleasure 
in wasting time with those pieces of painted 
wood; that she was very fond of living babes; 
indeed, she loved them dearly, because our bless- 
ed Saviour had taken such in his arms, and bless- 
ed them. She continued, " I never feel lone- 
some when I have mamma to converse with me ; 
and when she is otherwise engaged, I have my 
lessons to get, or I can amuse myself in the gar- 
den. My pets are there ; for I derive more plea- 
sure from seeing my little plants flourish, than I 



Sti MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

do from placing with toys." Indeed this was 
proved, by the care and attention which she 
paid to them. She had always a given number 
of plants and flowers in the garden, which were 
called hers, which she would water and attend 
to herself. Often was she seen watching for the 
first appearance of a flower-bud on a favourite 
plant or shrub ; and often did she run to her 
mother in a transport of joy, to tell her that it 
was in bloom, or to present one of the flowers. 
The beauties of nature always presented to her 
mind an inexhaustible theme for admiration; and 
she often discovered more pleasure in contem- 
plating the shape and colour of a single flower, 
than in the enjoyment of any fashionable amuse- 
ment* She was an enthusiastic lover of flowers. 
They were the only article in fashionable dress 
with which she professed to be pleased. It was 
not unusual for her to appear at the breakfast 
table, with her hair ornamented with flowers 
dripping with dew. She said it was not a roman- 
tic taste that induced her to do this ; but there 
was such perfection stamped on every leaf, as to 
elevate her gratitude to that Being by whose 
wisdom and power they were formed. 

She was early distinguished for her love of 
truth ; insomuch, that she was frequently called 
upon to decide little disputes in school; it being 
generally admitted by the contending parties, 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 27 

that Caroline Smelt would not tell a falsehood, 
even to screen herself from censure. Her friends 
have no recollection of her ever having deserved 
a reproof for deviating from strict veracity. She 
viewed falsehood as one of the most degrading 
and unprofitable vices, and a very high offence 
against Him who knoweth all things. Neither 
did she countenance or practise talebearing. 
So far did she carry this principle, as to suffer 
herself sometimes to be grossly imposed upon, 
rather than make a complaint, lest she might be 
called a tell-tale. 

To her relations she was affable and compa- 
nionable, while yet a child; but her extreme 
diffidence, or timid modesty, prevented her from 
communicating her ideas on any subject, with 
freedom, except to those with whom she was 
well acquainted. To such she was free and 
communicative, and her conversation frequently 
afforded them instruction and delight. Her lan- 
guage was pure; her expressions select; and 
her observations far beyond her years. 

She appeared to attach no importance to herself 
on account of her being an only child; nor did she 
infer from this that she had any claim to extra- 
ordinary indulgence. On the contrary, she said 
u it humbled her ; for it became her duty to strive to 
be every thing to her parents, that they might not 
grieve too much after those children they had lost.'' 



28 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

When she was twelve years old she was highly 
gratified by the birth of a little sister. On this 
occasion her joy was beyond description. A 
certain female neighbour expressed her surprise 
at seeing Caroline so delighted, as " it might 
have been expected that she would have been 
disappointed rather than pleased, that the child 
was not a boy ; for now, the little stranger would 
stand on equal ground with herself, and her im- 
portance would probably be diminished." She 
replied, she was very sorry that any person 
should entertain so contracted an opinion of 
her heart. She could, with great sincerity, de- 
clare that she was much happier than she should 
have been if it had been a boy ; and gave her 
reasons at full length, which silenced the friend. 
Some time afterwards she said to her mother, 

" Mamma, do you think our neighbour 

was in earnest when she gave such an opinion ? 
I do not approve of jests at any time, or an any 
subject ; and I never have taken, or ever will, if 
I can help it, take such a liberty with any one. 
I am sure I feel so much gratitude to Providence 
for blessing me with a beautiful lit lie sister, that 
I would be willing that you, even you, should 
love her a great deal better (if that is possible) 
than you do me." 

She now proved that she did indeed love living 
babes; for greater tenderness or affection per- 






MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 29 

haps was never witnessed than she testified to- 
wards this little treasure. But, alas ! in rather 
less than a year after its birth it was called to the 
arms of that Saviour who had condescended to 
bless such little ones while he sojourned here on 
earth. This was the second time Caroline had 
felt the pain of a separation from an only sister; 
but her grief was tempered with sweet submis- 
sion to the decree of unerring wisdom. She, 
nevertheless, discovered great sensibility when- 
ever this child was mentioned, and could seldom 
suppress her tears on such occasions. 

At the close of her thirteenth year Caroline 
had attained the stature of a woman. Being tall 
and slender, her close application to study, and 
the death of her little sister, occasioned her health 
(which had always before been good) to become 
rather delicate. A journey was advised ; aud 
accordingly, in the spring of 1814 she set out, 
accompanied by her mother, on a journey to 
New- York, to visit a number of beloved relations 
who resided in that city. On this journey she 
was also accompanied by her cousin Cornelia 
Walker, who had been as a companion and sis- 
ter to her, from early childhood. A detail of 
the incidents which occurred during that jour- 
ney, will not be attempted. 

They travelled by land ; and before they had 
proceeded three hundred miles Mrs. Smelt had 



30 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

the happiness to see her daughter's health im- 
proving daily. On their way, they stopped and 
spent a Sabbath in a small town. They attended 
public worship both in the morning and after- 
noon. It was announced, that there would be 
preaching again by candlelight. The young 
ladies intimated, that as they should have to re- 
new their journey early next morning, they would 
rather go to bed than go to church that night. 
Mrs. Smelt observed, that she would go to 
church, and was sorry to find that they had no 
disposition to accompany her. This gentle re- 
buke was sufficient ; they both got ready, and 
went with her. They were all much delighted 
with the preacher, and with the subject and mat- 
ter of his discourse, as well as his manner. He 
was solemn an<_ impressive; the congregation 
large and very attentive ; the singing unusually 
melodious. On their return to their place of 
lodging Miss Walker observed to Caroline that 
she had never heard a better sermon in her life. 
Caroline replied, " I think it was an excellent 
one, and I am now very glad that we went. I do 
think if the preacher had continued a little longer 
I might have gotten religion ; for I never expe- 
rienced such feelings in my life before. O cousin ! 
did you ever hear such singing ] I should like 
to know the hymn that I might commit it to 
memory." She referred to the exercises of that 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 31 

evening on her death-bed ; and said, that she 
had never lost their impression. 

They spent some time, for the purpose of rest 
in all the principal towns and cities which lay on 
their way to New- York ; but made a considera- 
ble stay near Richmond, in Virginia, as they had 
relations in its neighbourhood. The young ladies 
were delighted with all they saw. Every city 
opened upon their youthful vision, like a new 
world; Caroline's health still improving, and 
her mind expanded more and more. 

When they reached New- York, it was about 
the last of May. Her friends there considered 
Caroline's health still rather delicate; but her 
mother regarded it as sufficiently restored to 
qualify her for resuming her studies. Accord- 
ingly, as soon as she was perfectly rested, after 
the fatigue of the journey, Mrs. Smelt placed her 
at an excellent school, designing to leave her 
there a year or two, if she could receive greater 
advantages as to education, in that city, than she 
could at home. To this scheme Caroline could 
not willingly assent; and offered such reasons 
for her opposition as determined her mother 
to bring her home with her. 

Having spent eight months in travelling and 
visiting their friends, they returned home by the 
same route by which they had gone ; after which, 
Caroline resumed her studies, partly under pri- 



32 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

vate instructors. At this period she manifested 
an increasing ambition to acquire literary know- 
ledge, which her mother feared would occupy 
her whole attention, to the exclusion of every 
other consideration. Mrs. Smelt frequently ad- 
monished her, at least, to equalise her attention, 
and not devote the whole of her time to that, 
which, however laudable in itself, she was carry- 
ing to an extreme. To this Caroline would 
reply, that she was desirous of obtaining all the 
useful knowledge she could; that she wished to 
meet the expectations of her friends, and to lay 
up for' herself a plentiful store of information 
while she was young, and unencumbered with 
cares or pleasures. She has since confessed, that 
the thirst for human knowledge had excited in 
her mind so much ambition to be considered 
learned, and to be distinguished for her intellec- 
tual attainments, that she frequently feared her 
desires to be a Christian were suffering consi- 
derable abatement; that her judgment was not 
sufficiently matured to enable her rightly to di- 
vide her time ; that she stood in great need of the 
admonitory cautions which she used to receive 
from her mother, as they generally tended to 
humble her aspiring notions, and bring her to se- 
rious reflections. She, at the same time, observ- 
ed, that she could with great truth declare that 
she had never felt the least tincture of vanity in 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 33 

her nature, except what arose from the compli- 
ments which her friends had paid to her under- 
standing. " But, 7 ' said she, " the goodness of 
Providence soon quelled this foolish spirit, by 
shewing me, that to whom much is given, of the 
same much will be required." And resuming 
the conversation at another time, she said, " My 
beloved mother, how thankful do I feel that I 
was brought, through grace, to see there was 
time for all things ; that the improvement of my 
youthful mind need not exclude piety, but that 
both could sweetly harmonise ; and every talent 
entrusted to my care, when properly exercised, 
might redound to the glory of God. Instead of 
being vain, I now feel a double weight of respon- 
sibility ; but I desire that my friends may never 
compliment me again; it may prove unprofit- 
able. I would thank them much more, if they 
would kindly tell me of my faults. I fondly 
hope my vanity and foolish ambition were 
buried at the same time; and that too, before 
any, but a mother's eye, had discerned them ; 
but I wish to avoid every thing that might rouse 
their ashes." 

Thus employed, in pursuing such an educa- 
tion as became her birth, her fortune, and future 
prospects in life, she continued to delight her 
parents, and increase the number of her friends, 
by exhibiting every virtue, and performing every 



34 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

filial duty which the fond solicitude of parental 
affection could desire or expect from a daugh- 
ter of her age, until she had completed her 
fifteenth year. 



PART SECOND, 



«*> ++ ++■+■+•*■■*■+ 



From her entrance upon her sixteenth year, to the commence- 
ment of her last illness, including a period of one year and 
eight months. 

Having traced the footsteps of this young 
female through the periods of infancy and child- 
hood, we have now come to that part of her short 
life which was most eventful. She had now 
arrived at the commencement of her sixteenth 
year, when she was about to be ushered into 
society as a young lady. Her principles were 
pure, her manners dignified, and extremely mo- 
dest. She was unaffected, intelligent, and inof- 
fensive ; graceful, meek, and affectionate. Her 
mother saw much to gratify her fond heart, but 
her mind was not free from maternal anxiety. 
The eternal welfare of this beloved daughter lay 
near her heart. 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 35 

Mrs. Smelt had long ere this time cherished a 
hope that her beloved Caroline was a child of 
grace ; but she now feared that she might be 
drawn into various temptations, be allured by 
worldly amusements, contract a fondness for 
gay society, and thereby lose her religious im- 
pressions. She regretted the want of a regular 
ministry. The ill health of Dr. Thompson, who 
was their pastor at that time, subjected his con- 
gregation to many privations. Therefore, the 
only resource of her mother's miad, in her then 
trying circumstances, appeared to be a steady 
application to a throne of grace in her child's 
behalf, together with the use of such methods 
and admonitions as might appear most proper 
to counteract the influence of (he world. She 
was soon surprised to see her daughter show no 
fondness for parties of pleasure, and to hear her 
express great wonder, that rational beings could 
be so delighted with them. She several times 
observed to her mother, that she did not think 
it profitable or right, in serious people, to coun- 
tenance so much jolly and extravagance m what 
were termed social parties; and as to her own 
feelings, she could truly say they afforded her 
neither pleasure nor improvement ; that she en- 
joyed the society of a few friends around her 
father's fireside, or the perusal of a good book, 
more than she did any gay amusement. 



36 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

Notwithstanding these were her sentiments, 
she was often allured to participate in fashion- 
able follies, and for eight months previous to her 
acquaintance with the Rev. Mr. J. she had been 
much engaged in worldly amusements. 

There are, no doubt, many who will ever re- 
gard it as a token of the goodness of Divine 
Providence, that this ambassador of Christ was 
directed to visit Augusta at this time. His visit 
was short, but loug enough to afford a number 
of persons an opportunity of becoming acquaint- 
ed with him, of hearing him preach several 
times, and of laying the foundation of a friend- 
ship which, it is hoped, will continue through 
eternity. He left them in July, 1816, intending 
to visit the Western country, and uncertain 
whether he would return to Augusta. Mrs. 
Smelt requested an interest in his prayers, but 
particularly, that he would remember her be- 
loved Caroline at a throne of grace ; and she 
yet feels a pleasing confidence that he did not 
forget her request. 

Shortly after this, the Presbyterian church of 
Augusta being then destitute of a pastor, Caro- 
line retired to the country to spend the residue 
of the summer about twelve miles from town. 
There, in the society of her sister-cousin, Cor- 
nelia Waiker, she promised herself much satis- 
faction. She had enjoyed this retreat but a 



MISS CAKOLINE ELIZABETH SMELT, 37 

few days when she was attacked with a slight 
indisposition, but which continued until the 
month of October. During this indisposition 
both her parents were frequently with her. Her 
mother observed, with deep concern, the decline 
of her Caroline's health ; but neither she nor 
Dr. Smelt could discover any symptoms to jus- 
tify any apprehension of immediate danger. She 
was not confined, nor did she complain of any 
thing but want of appetite, and consequent 
debility. Her parents knew her attachment to 
study, and advised her to exercise more in the 
open air; to put away, for the present, her books, 
globes, maps, &c. and to substitute walking, 
riding, and swinging, until her strength should 
be restored. She complied with their wishes, 
and in a few weeks appeared considerably im- 
proved in health, but not entirely well. 

Her aunt Walker, who was daily with her, hacl 
taken up an idea that Caroline's mind or heart 
was not at ease. She mentioned this to Mrs. 
Smelt, who could not think so, as the beloved 
of her bosom had never concealed any thing 
from her knowledge which had interested her- 
self in the smallest degree. Mrs. Walker then 
said to Mrs. Smelt, with apparent concern, " Sis- 
ter, I will give you my reasons for thinking you 
may be mistaken." Mrs. Smelt, feeling well 
assured that her sister was influenced by the 

c 3 



38 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

purest motives of affection to them both, desired 
her to do so* She then stated, that Caroline's 
conduct towards her beloved cousin Cornelia 
was much changed ; and that, although she was 
still kind and obliging, yet she was not as fond 
of her society as formerly; would frequently 
appear to avoid her, and walk alone, rather than 
have her company ; that she was in the habit of 
retiring to her room and remaining there alone 
for two or three hours at a time ; that Cornelia 
had noticed it, and more than once had said to 
her cousin, that she could not account, for such 
a change in her deportment ; to which Caroline 
had replied, with her usual sweetuess of temper, 
that she was conscious of no diminution of affec- 
tion for her, but that she felt it good to be alone 
sometimes. Mrs. Walker further added, that 
when Mrs. Smelt was not there, Caroline was often 
unusually pensive; but when she (Mrs. Smelt) 
was present, there was a great difference observ- 
able ; that but a few days before, she (Mrs. W.) 
had entered Caroline's room and found her writ- 
ing ; that on approaching the table where she 
sat, Caroline suddenly gathered up her papers, 
and holding them in her hand, observed with a 
smile, " Aunt Walker, you have given me a little 
surprise." Mrs. W. then asked her to let her see 
what she had been writing, and to whom ; but 
with this request she did not comply, and said 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 3D 

she had merely been scribbling a little for her 
own amusement. Mrs. Walker further mentioned 
to her sister, that the roll which Caroline held in 
her hand was as large as a quire of paper, but 
she saw only the outside of it. 

After receiving this information, without any 
alarm, Mrs. Smelt had an opportunity of seeing 
the roll. She found it in a very secret place, 
and its contents afforded her sincere satisfaction* 
It was nothing more or less than a diary, or 
breathings after divine grace. In the presence 
of Mrs. Walker she read it, and they both con- 
cluded not to let. Caroline know that they had 
seen it, but to return it to its proper place, and 
let her continue it without interruption. But it 
was never seen by either of them afterwards. 
During Caroline's last illness, her mother inform- 
ed her of these particulars, and inquired after the 
manuscript ; to whom she replied, that she had 
destroyed it, not supposing that her youthful 
effusions could be interesting to any one. 

She returned home from the country late in 
October, her health being considerably improved, 
yet still rather feeble. The church which she 
had usually attended was still destitute of a 
pastor. She was soon surrounded by her gay 
young friends and an extensive acquaintance; 
but she seemed resolved not to be allured into 
what she then considered to be criminal amuse* 



40 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

ments, and took a decided stand against them. 
Within a few weeks after her return, the Rev- 
Mr. J. again visited Augusta, and was prevailed 
on to tarry there six or eight months. Caroline 
now regularly attended on his ministry, and ap- 
peared to grow in the knowledge and love of 
evangelical truth. Doctor Smelt's family were 
frequently favoured with the social visits of 
their pastor, and a pleasing hope was once more 
entertained by Mrs. Smelt, that her Caroline 
would soon make a profession of her faith in 
Christ. She could seldom prevail on her daugh- 
ter to converse freely about herself. Whenever 
this subject was touched upon, which lay near- 
est to her heart, tears would begin to flow with- 
out one word accompanying them. 

In the course of the winter, Miss Caroline en- 
gaged in a Scripture-class, composed of young 
ladies, for the improvement of their knowledge 
of the Holy Scriptures. This institution was 
projected and patronised by Mr. J. and was of 
incalculable advantage to Miss Caroline. Dur- 
ing the winter she resisted every invitation and 
solicitation to attend the dancing assemblies, 
except one ; and but once did she attend the 
theatre. On her return from the ball she in- 
formed her mother, that she had made a solemn 
resolution never to attend another. This she 
carefully kept, and never did attend another 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 41 

ball, though she frequently engaged in private 
parties, but seldom, if ever, with her own 
consent. 

About this time Mrs. Smelt felt unusually ex- 
ercised about the eternal welfare of her daughter, 
and frequently retired with her to hold secret 
prayer. She felt oppressed with apprehensions 
for the life of her child, and to many of her 
friends expressed a fear that she should lose her 
soon. To one she said, " I fear that the worm 
is already at the root of my gourd : I feel an 
awful presentiment that my Caroline will de- 
scend to an early tomb." To another she said, 
" O that my child were but right in the sight of 
the Lord, I should then feel more comfortable, 
and less reluctant to part with her. ,, To a pious 
friend she frequently mentioned her apprehen- 
sions, and intreated him to lay her case before 
the Lord. She saw that Caroline was serious, 
that she had very correct views of religion ; was 
remarkably tender, and read the Scriptures. She 
had also good reason to believe that she was 
attentive to secret devotion. She listened at- 
tentively to pious instructions, while the tears 
would flow down her cheeks ; but she never 
could draw her out in conversation, so as to ob- 
tain a knowledge of her views as it respected 
herself, nor could any of her pious friends suc- 
ceed any better. 



42 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

She was asked several times by her mother, 
why she observed so much reserve on this all- 
important subject, and could be so communica- 
tive on any other ? She once replied, " My dear 
mamma, I have no confidence in myself; I hope 
to do that which is right when I shall have more 
experience. I desire to belong to the little flock, 
but I am too unstable." On another occasion, 
she said to her mother, " I was very much im- 
pressed under the discourse of Mr. J. last Sab- 
bath, and thought that he was preaching to me 
exclusively. I felt very solemn, and made a num- 
ber of good resolutions, and hoped I should be 
enabled to keep them. I thought that I would, 
and determined to begin that day. But alas ! I 
had scarcely left the church when I was sur- 
rounded by a number of my gay young friends, 
several of whom walked home with me, and in- 
troduced a great deal of small light chat; and 
before I reached home, I found all the solemnity 
occasioned by the sermon so nearly effaced, 
that scarcely an impression was left. I feel 
very guilty as it is, but if I were a professing 
Christian, what dishonour should I bring on the 
church V 

The winter and spring passed away without 
any very remarkable occurrence. One circum- 
stance, however, seems worthy of notice, as it 
was referred to afterwards. Some time late in 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 43 

that winter, Mr. J. accompanied by a minister 
of the Gospel who was a stranger, came to 
Doctor Smelt's house, in order to spend the 
evening with the family. In the course of the 
conversation, Mrs. Smelt mentioned some of the 
difficulties which she had experienced when she 
was about to be made a subject of the new 
birth. Caroline had often heard of those diffi- 
culties before, and always discovered much sen- 
sibility on such occasions ; but this evening she 
appeared unusually impressed, insomuch, that 
she took no part in the conversation afterwards. 
Mr. J. observing that she was dejected, ap- 
proached her seat, and with affectionate solici- 
tude said to her, " Miss Caroline, you must not 
be discouraged at what your mamma has stated; 
the Lord, I hope, will draw you by the cords of 
love. Very few experience as severe exercises 
of miud as she did." He then put into her hand 
a small religious tract, which she read before 
she retired to rest, and which appeared to com- 
fort her, though she said nothing. Doctor Smelt 
being on a visit to a sick lady in the country, 
and Caroline intending that night to sleep with 
her mother, the latter considered it a good op- 
portunity to converse freely with her daughter 
on the necessity of obtaining a saving interest 
in Christ. Caroline wept ; they went to prayer; 
she sobbed aloud, but still said nothing. After 



44 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

retiring to bed neither of them could sleep until 
a very late hour. 

From this period Mrs. Smelt discovered a 
great change in her child. She was often pen- 
sive ; attached herself more closely to her mo- 
ther than before, and appeared more disgusted 
with the world than ever; more anxious for 
religious instruction, and more zealous in the 
performance of every duty. 

Her birth-day arrived ; she was sixteen years 
old. Mr. J. called in on that day to visit the 
family. Before leaving the house he engaged 
in prayer, and particularly in behalf of Miss 
Caroline. She was much agitated, but still ob- 
served her usual taciturnity. Twelve months 
afterwards, precisely at the same hour of the 
day, he was engaged in preaching her funeral 
sermon ! 

A few months before this, Doctor Smelt and 
his family had changed their residence, in order 
that their dwelling-house might undergo some 
repairs. Miss Caroline began to express her 
anxiety to return to the house in which she was 
born. She said she was attached to every part 
of it, but particularly to one room ; she longed 
to occupy that. Hearing her frequently express 
a desire to see the house finished, that they 
might return to it, her mother one day said to 
her, " What has become of your patience, my 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 45 

child 1 The work cannot go on faster than it 
does/' She replied, " O mamma, I wish to take 
possession of my own little room, it is so sweetly 
adapted to study and contemplation ; and then 
I shall be on the same story with you and papa, 

, and we can so conveniently visit each others' 
apartments ; for I want always to be near you/' 
In a short time she was gratified, and took pos- 
session of this favourite apartment. Her health 
was better than usual; indeed her parents consi- 
dered her perfectly well, and all things appeared 
to go on prosperously for a few weeks. 

It was now the month of July, the sickly sea- 
son approaching fast, and Mr. J. their pastor, 
about to set out for the North, to visit his rela- 
tions and recruit his own health. These unitedjcon- 

j siderations contributed to depress the mind of 
Mrs. Smelt. She was still impressed with a presen- 

I timent, that some great trouble awaited her in a 
short time ; and she could not banish the appre- 
hension from her mind, that the loss of her only 
living child, would be that trouble. The pros- 
pect of such an event was so distressing, that she 
mentioned her uneasiness to several friends, and 
to Mr. J. in particular, and became more than ever 
engaged for the eternal welfare of her daughter. 
Mr. J. called to take leave of the family before 
his departure. After he left the house, Mrs. 
Smelt retired, and left Caroline in the room by 



46 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF ^ 

herself. On her mother's return, she was found 
sitting in the same spot where she had been left, 
still holding a book in her hand which she had 
just received as a parting gift from her pastor. 
She appeared much dejected. Her mother 
seated herself by her, and entered into a detail 
of the advantages that might result from their 
acquaintance with Mr. J. if they followed his 
counsels, and improved them as they ought. 
Caroline then expressed her deep regret that the 
church would again be shut up; and wished 
that Mr. J. could have been prevailed on to 
stay the year out, for she was very sure he could 
not be more wanted any where else. 

While the Presbyterian house of worship was 
shut up, Mrs. Smelt and her daughter deter- 
mined to attend the Methodist chapel, the wor- 
thy pastor of that congregation being a man of 
exalted piety. For several Sabbaths they at- 
tended the Sunday-school, which afforded Caro- 
line the highest satisfaction. She resolved to 
make application for instructing a female class, 
but on the 13th of August her mother was 
taken sick, and she cever afterwards had an 
opportunity. 

When Mrs. Smelt was taken ill, the first 
symptoms gave reasons to Relieve that she 
would have a severe attack. The fever which 
had appealed in the city was xaghig with great 






MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT, 47 

violence. She had been much exposed to it, 
and for four or five days and nights previous to 
her attack she had been sitting up and attending 
to an orphan child, who died that evening, in 
the fourteenth year of her age. Finding herself 
unwell, and the child dying, she returned home, 
stated the little sufferer's situation to her daugh- 
ter, but did not mention her own symptoms* 
Caroline expressed a desire to see the dying 
orphan, as she had never seen any person die* 
Apprehensive that she might take the fever, or 
be greatly alarmed, her mother hesitated. At 
length she committed her to the care of a mer- 
ciful God, and with uncommon fervour, im- 
plored that He would sanctify this visit to the 
chamber of death, to the heart of her beloved 
daughter. The result evinced that her prayers 
were heard and answered. 

Caroline went: the distance was only to the 
next door. She staid some time ; returned, and 
reported the little girl to be in convulsive ago- 
nies. She could not stay to see the end; such 
sufferings she had never before witnessed. She 
was bulbed in tears, and overwhelmed with sor- 
row. Her fears were immediately excited on 
her mother's account, because she saw that she 
was ill. She afterwards informed her mother, 
that she had never tasted the bitterness of sor- 
row until that night ; that her soul was in deep 



48 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

anguish, and her heart near bursting. On this 
occasion, her appearance was peculiarly inte- 
resting. She requested permission to sit up with 
her mother, that she might administer to her 
comfort through the night ; but out of tender- 
ness towards her, this request was denied her. 
Mrs. Smelt did not think it necessary ; and the 
Doctor (her father) considered that it would be 
a very improper exposure of her own health, and 
insisted on her going to bed. After using various 
arguments in order to gain her point, but with- 
out effect, she retired, but not to sleep. 

About an hour afterwards she entered her 
mother's room, holding a candle in her hand, 
trembling and pale. Her mother was alarmed. 
Caroline addressed her father thus : " My dear 
papa, I have complied with your wishes in re- 
tiring to my room ; but sleep, I cannot. I felt 
reluctant to disturb you or disobey your kind 
commands — but, O papa! I cannot rest while 
my blessed* mamma is suffering. I thought just 
now I heard her groan, and feared she was get- 
ting worse. I could no longer keep from her. 
How should my conscience acquit me before 
God, were I to omit a single duty to such a 
mother V She then approached her mother 
and inquired affectionately how she was : Mrs. 
Smelt replied, that she felt much better, and 
that she had been mistaken as to the groan— 






MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 49 

begged her to be composed, and try to get some 
sleep. Caroline replied that that was impossi- 
ble, with her feelings — that all she desired was, 
to sit by her mother's bed-side, and be ready to 
perform any little office she might require through 
the night — and intreated her papa not to ask her 
to return to her room again. 

Her parents found she was too much agitated 
for them to insist any longer, and she was 
desired to lie down by her mother's side. It 
was not thought that she slept any; for fre- 
quently through the night her hand was found 
gently resting on the cheek of her mamma, in 
order to discover if the fever was abating. 
About day-light, her parents assured her that 
her mother was much better, and clear of fever ; 
and both united in requesting her to retire to 
her own bed, and endeavour to get a little sleep 
before breakfast. In conformity to their wishes 
she retired, and about an hour afterwards came 
down stairs quite composed, and with a smile 
on her countenance. Her mother from that 
time was convalescent, and Caroline shewed the 
most devoted attentiou to her, and the most 
affectionate solicitude for her recovery. She 
appeared desirous to do every thing for her, 
herself — to administer medicine — give her nou- 
rishment — adjust her pillows, &c. — nor would 
she willingly leave her. Mrs, Smelt, although 



50 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

her symptoms were favourable, yet felt great 
depression of spirits : Caroline perceived it, and 
tried every way to comfort her. She would 
say, " My dear mamma, you wilt get well: I 
feel a happy assurance that you will recover" 
To this Mrs. Smelt replied, you may be mis- 
taken, and you are one of my greatest causes of 
distress." " Why so, my dear mamma T said 
Caroline. " Because," said Mrs. Smelt, " I 
have never discharged my duty as a responsi- 
ble mother, in the way in which I ought to have 
done it ; and I fear that, at the bar of God, I 
shall be found awfully delinquent — I have not 
been as much engaged for your-eternal welfare 
as for the perishing things of time. And now, 
should I be removed, how soon may you for- 
get the feeble instructions I have given you? 
whereas, had I been more zealously engaged in 
pointing out to you the way that leads to eter- 
nal happiness, I might have hoped that the Lord 
would not only acquit me, but take you under 
his special care in this life, and in his own good 
time receive you to himself." 

Caroline then burst into tears — drew near to 
her mother, and with great feeling said, * My 
dear mamma, you will stand acquitted. What 
could you have done, that you have not done, 
to bring me to Christ? If I have been inflexi- 
ble; that is not your fault, I am truly distressed 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 51 

to think I should occasion you one uneasy mo- 
ment. I desire to comfort you. O ! tell me 
not that you feel any condemnation on my ac- 
count — indeed you are clear of my blood; and 
I hope you will live to see me all you so ardently 
desire. I am not so graceless, perhaps, as you 
may suppose. The Lord has been striving with 
me for many years, and I hnve not been entirely 
thoughtless. No, indeed ; for I have long wish- 
ed for an interest in the great atonement. I 
have long desired to become one of the little 
flock ; but I feared I was too inexperienced, too 
ignorant, too unstable, and too unworthy, to 
make a public profession of my faith in Christ. 

mamma ! 1 have long wished to tell you what 
was passing in my heart ; but I feared to excite 
hopes in your affectionate breast which might 
never be realized, and the greater condemna- 
tion would be my portion. But I have now 
come to a decided stand. It may give you 
some comfort to hear some of my last exercises. 

1 feel as if I could no longer keep them a secret 
from you. I ought to have told you them be- 
fore, and you would have strengthened me. I 
felt this the other night, when I thought I should 
lose you ; and I then determined, that if the 
.Lord spared your life, you should know all. 

O ! I see in the hour of sore distress, that all 
created comforts are but broken reeds — that if 



*2 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

we have not God for our friend, * vain is the 
help of man.' This I realized in the night 
when you were taken sick. It was the first 
time I ever tasted the bitterness of real sorrow. 
I had been that afternoon and evening much 
exercised, at the dying bed of our little friend. 
I never had such feelings in all my life — I view- 
ed with horror the change in her countenance 
— I saw her struggles — the sight was more than 
I could bear: I said, is this death? He is in- 
deed the king of terrors. I was about to hasten 
home. I stopped a little longer — I thought I 
would summon fortitude to stay and see the end 
— a convulsion came on — I was exceedingly 
alarmed — I thought I must retire; but in an 
instant it occurred to me, that J too would have 
to die; and if every one who might be around 
my tlyiug couch, should act towards me as I 
was about to do towards her, not one would 
have firmness enough to see my end — and how 
should I feel, to be deserted at such an awful 
moment? I prayed for strength to enable me 
to stay and be useful, and that the whole scene 
might be sanctified to my soul. I felt more 
composed, and strove to do some acts of kind- 
ness to the poor little girl. I tried to fan her, 
and to wipe the cold drops from her face; but 
my nerves were too feeble, and my agitation too 
great to do any thing. I sat down and medi- 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 53 

tated on what was passing. I felt concerned 
for the soul of the child. She had entered on 
her fourteenth year — I thought her at an ac- 
countable age. She had been brought up in 
Christian principles; but, during her tedious 
illness had not uttered one pious expression, 
one holy desire, but had manifested great alarm 
at the idea of death — and until deprived of 
speech, had expressed strong hopes, or a firm 
belief, that she should recover. I felt deep re- 
gret, that this was the case with too many that 
were older than she. I then asked myself this 
question — had you been called to such a bed as 
this, would you have been ready or willing to 
go ? The answer was, No. I felt at that mo- 
ment, as if Death were armed with ten thousand 
terrors. O! how fervently did I desire that 
the Lord would not call me till I was made fit 
for his acceptance. I wanted to feel that love 
that casteth out fear ; but I was tempest-tossed, 
and could realise nothing that was comfortable, 
I returned home melancholy and oppressed, and 
found you had retired to bed with a high fever. 
My heart was overwhelmed with apprehensions 
for your life and my own soul. I could not 
conceal my distress. Papa thought I would 
alarm you, and insisted on my going to bed. I 
was compelled to retire, but sleep, I could not. 
When I entered t my room I prostrated myself at 

D 3 



54 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

the footstool of mercy. O! how I entreated 
the Lord to spare your precious life — and to 
seal me his own for ever. I felt as if no power 
on earth could relieve me. Some such reflections 
as these, then passed through my mind. You 
see now what a vain bubble this world is — what 
a change have a few hours made in your feelings! 
and a few more may produce still greater. You 
may lose your mother, and what will become of 
you then? who will guide your erring footsteps? 
who will give you sweet counsel, who will sooth 
and comfort you in the hour of sickness, as she 
has done? with a bursting heart, I answered 
no one. My agitation increased violently— I 
could not lay my troubles before you. I was 
alone — and for the first time in my life, I felt 
deserted. The fear that I should lose you was 
uppermost. I saw that I deserved chastisement, 
and felt the frowns of Providence which I had 
deserved. At this moment I thought I heard 
you groan — I could no longer keep from you — 
I ran down stairs, and entreated papa to let me 
remain with you. He kindly consented ; and 
the residue of the night was spent in prayer to 
God and serious reflections; for I could not 
sleep. I sometimes thought I would give worlds, 
if I possessed them, to know that the Lord was 
my friend. I clearly saw that no power but his, 
could deliver me ; and that it was vain to expect 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 55 

relief from any other quarter. I felt as if the 
world would contain nothing that could afford 
me any consolation, if you were removed ; and 
particularly, I should never forgive myself for 
not having improved, as I ought, the many les- 
sons of useful instruction you had given me." 

" My thoughts often recurred to the dying 
child. I said, what is all the world to her now? 
she cannot swallow so much as one drop of cold 
water. I may soon see my mother in the same 
situation. I may soon be in the same condition 
myself. O ! that I could feel the benign influ- 
ence of the religion of the Saviour; for there is 
nothing but this that can sustain us in the hour 
of affliction." 

" In the morning I was much comforted to 
hear you say you were better. You desired me 
to be composed, to retire to my own room and 
try to get some sleep before breakfast. I re- 
tired ; but not to sleep. I took with me your 
small Bible. When I entered my room, I bowed 
on my knees, and poured out my soul in prayer 
to my Heavenly Father. I felt comforted. I 
then made a solemn promise, that if the Lord 
would spare your life, I would engage with my 
whole heart to serve Him the residue of my days 
on earth, by the aids of his heavenly grace — that I 
would never again engage in worldly amusements, 
nor do any thing, willingly, to grieve his Holy 



&6 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

Spirit. I then prayed for some manifestation of 
my being a child of God, if I were one indeed. 
After which, I opened the Bible, and the first 
passage which presented itself to my view, was 
Nahum's Prophecy, Chapter 1st and verse 7th. 
These are the words : * The Lord is good, a 
strong hold in the day of trouble, and he know- 
eth them that trust in Him/ Oh ! what comfort 
did I at that moment receive. It was the first 
Scripture promise that I had ever been able to 
apply to myself. I immediately felt such an 
assurance that you would recover, and that the 
Lord had heard, and would answer my prayers, 
that I have not had a single doubt since, on that 
subject. I soon felt such sweet composure, at- 
tended with gratitude and love to my Heavenly 
Father, that I returned to you quite a different 
creature, and have been able to attend upon you 
ever since without any of those poignant sensa- 
tions that overwhelmed me on the first night of 
your attack. I am resolved to devote myself to 
the service of this gracious Being — He is worthy 
to be served. My confidence, my hope is, that 
I may be enabled to serve him acceptably. My 
dear mamma! take comfort; do not allow your 
faith to become weak. I hope you will not have 
it to say again that I am a source of unhappi- 
ness to you. I cannot bear that reflection. Oh ! 
pray for j»e ; aad 1 hope the Lord will soon 






MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 57 

make me one of his own dear children, and a 
rich blessing to you." 

This communication from her daughter ope- 
rated as a healing balm to her mother's whole 
stytem. They conversed freely from day to day. 
Caroline appeared to throw off all restraint in 
conversing with ber mother on the subject of 
experimental religion ; and in the course of five 
or six days, Mrs. Smelt was restored to a com- 
fortable measure of health. 

Caroline now appeared to attach herself to 
her mother more than ever — seemed reluctant 
to leave her, even to attend to common duties — 
would often invite her into her room, in order 
to have social conversation, or that they might 
read to each other. When Mrs, Smelt was 
obliged to leave her, she would intreat her to 
return as soon as possible; and on returning, 
her mother would frequently find her reading 
the Scriptures. 

A short time before she was taken sick, she 
engaged with two other ladies to make a collec- 
tion for the poor. Very many of that class in 
the city-bounds were in great affliction, and re- 
quired some public effort to be made for their 
relief. On the morning of that day on which 
they were to commence their benevolent opera- 
tions, she hesitated — indeed shed tears, and said 
that she felt such reluctance and timidity, she 



58 



MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 



wished to be excused. Her father and mother 
both gave her every encouragement — desired 
her to lay aside her fears, and to look only at 
the magnitude and importance of the object. 
She wiped away her tears — summoned up reso- 
lution to go forth, and in a few hours they 
collected more than six hundred dollars from 
the charitable inhabitants of the city. When 
Caroline saw the success which had attended 
this, their first effort of the kind, she said, 
" Well, mamma, how delightful is the path of 
duty ! My poor, timid nature shrunk from the 
task before me this morning; and if you and 
papa had not encouraged me as you did, I 
should have staid at home and done nothing for 
the poor this day. I am now thankful that I 
went, though I am very sure I did not aid the 
cause much, for / asked but one person to con- 
tribute his mite, and that was an intimate ac- 
quaintance. I carried the purse and left all the 
begging to the other two ladies. However I 
feel pleasant this evening in reflecting on the 
events of the day, and hope I may be more use- 
ful in future." She appeared in better health 
than usual, from this period to the day on which 
she was attacked with the fatal fever which ter- 
minated her life. Indeed her health for several 
preceding months had been considered by her 
parents as being very good. 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 59 

PART THIRD. 



+■*++**++•*■*+■ 



Containing an account of her last sickness and death. 

On the morning of the 28th of August, some- 
what more than a fortnight after her painful 
exercises about her mother, Caroline was sitting 
in her own room, in cheerful conversation with 
her mother and another female friend. She, 
after some time, laid down her sewing and walk- 
ed into her mother's room. Mrs. Smelt, finding 
that her daughter did not return immediately, 
after some delay, followed her and found her 
extended on her bed. She observed that Caro- 
line looked very pale, and inquired the cause. 
Caroline very calmly replied that she felt very 
unwell — that she had been seized with a sudden 
vertigo — that she found the bed a very timely 
relief, for she could not balance herself— that 
she then felt much better, and would sooia get 
up. Mrs. Smelt then called her husband, the 
Doctor, into the room, who examined her pulse, 
and applied some volatiles to his daughter's 
head ; after which, she was soon so much relieved, 
as to be able to get up, dress herself, and join 
the family at dinner, in her usnal spirits. But, in 
the course of that night a most violent fever came 
on, which was never perfectly subdued. 



60 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

On the 29th of August she was all the day 
under the active operation of medicine, and op- 
pressed with much pain; but manifested the 
most exemplary patience and submission. 

On the 30th she was bled, took more medi* 
cine, but without any relief perceivable by 
herself or those around her; the fever still 
continuing very high. 

August 31st. Her fever still continued very 
iiigh. The operation of bleeding was this day 
repeated. Her 'sufferings to-day were very 
great; but not a single complaint escaped her 
lips, nor did she discover the least alarm; 
although it was the first time in her life that she 
had ever been confined a whole day to her bed ; 
and the first attack of fever which she had ever 
experienced. 

September 1st. This was a day never to be 
forgotten by Mrs. Smelt : her feelings were such 
as cannot be described — no language can con- 
vey any adequate idea of them. She saw her 
child ill, and feared the worst. She strove 
repeatedly to intreat the Lord to spare her 
daughter's life ; but seemed as if she could not 
pray. At length she prostrated herself before 
God time after time, and implored the God of 
mercy to wash her child in the blood of the 
Lamb ; and if she were about to be removed by 
death, to enable her to leave her friends some 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 61 

comforting token of her acceptance with God. 

The mother's agonies were great and distressing 

on this subject. She pleaded for this blessing to 

her daughter, in the name and for the sake of 

the blessed Redeemer. She pleaded various 

^promises of the word of God. At length she 

promised that if the Lord would be gracious to 

the soul of her child, she would give her up 

^without a murmur. Towards evening she was 

/more composed, had stronger faith ; but hej 

/daughter was no better. 

i Caroline was sensible of her mother's distress, 
and said all she could to comfort her. The 
c friends, as well as the physicians who were pre- 
sent, were surprised to see her so composed and 
submissive. They ascribe this, in a great degree, 
to her tenderness for her mother. 
U On the second day of September her symp- 
toms exhibited no favourable change ; but Mrs. 
^Smelt's confidence in the Lord was now strong. 
J She was not now pleading for the life of her 
^beloved daughter, but for the salvation of her 
,jSoul. Throughout this day Caroline appeared 
tranquil — read a portion of God's word, as she 
[generally did during her confinement; or when 
J too ill, her mother read for her; but this day 
she read for herself. In the course of the day 
Mrs. Smelt said to her, " My dear Caroline, you 
. are now on the bed of affliction ; I hope you do 



62 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

not neglect to call upon the Lord." She replied, 
" Oh ! mamma, do you think I could neglect so 
important a duty V f 

In the afternoon some friends called to see 
her. She did not converse much, but was to 
appearance entirely calm. When they were 
about to leave the house, Mrs. Smelt accompa- 
nied' them to the door. Having felt an unusual 
degree of peace and comfort all that day, she 
detained one of the ladies for a few moments, 
to converse about Carolines case, and her own 
views of the subject. They had not stood long 
before she was informed by a servant that her 
daughter wanted her. She hastened to her ; 
and as she approached her bed-side, Caroline 
addressed her in these words, ° My dear mam- 
ma! I do not want you to leave me at all; you 
are such a rich blessing to me, that I wish you 
constantly in view " 

Mrs. Smelt then sat down, and was requested 
by her, to read a portion of Scripture; which 
was done. She then said, " My dear mam^a, 
I have been much disturbed in mind to-day ; 
but I felt reluctant to oppress you with more 
trouble than you have already, and therefore 
forbore telling you. But I cannot conceal it 
any longer." Her mother then' invited her to 
tell her all. She said that she had all day been 
disturbed by this passage of Scripture, u The 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 63 

harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we 
are no! saved." " It is continually in my mind, 
and fills me with dreadful apprehensions." Mrs. 
Smelt then observed, * If that passage gives my 
darling distress, let your mother direct you to a 
few of the precious promises :" and then repeat- 
ed to her the following : " Come unto me, all ye 
that are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give 
you rest." "Ask, and it shall be given you; 
seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be 
opened unto you." She said she felt oppressed 
with a sense of sin. Her mother then repeated, 
" Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be 
as white as snow ; though they be red like 
crimson, they shall be as wool." 

Mrs. Smelt observing her to be much agitated 
at that time, was enabled with great energy to 
say to her, " My beloved daughter, the Lord 
says, ■ Turn ye to the strong hold, ye prisoners 
of hope; even to-day do I declare that I will 
render double unto thee! This promise is sent 
I .you, my child, as certainly as it was sent to 
me many years ago/' She replied, " Do you 
indeed think so, my mother ?" Her mother 
assured her that it was her belief. She then 
requested her mother to pray with her. A 
female friend being present, they kneeled by 
her bed-side and addressed a throne of grace in 
her behalf. The necessity of exercising a lively 



64 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

faith in the merits of a Redeemer, was then 
strongly urged upon her. She said, she wanted 
to feel that she had au interest in Christ — that 
she feared she had never been regenerated; 
repeating " except a man be born again, he 
cannot enter into the kingdom of God." " O 
that I could know that I had passed through 
the new birth/' Her mother begged her to 
look to the compassionate Saviour and be 
comforted." 

After some short time, Caroline said, " Let 
perfect silence be observed, and do you, my 
mother, engage with me in silent prayer to God 
for a manifestation of his acceptance of my 
immortal soul/' They then commenced their 
silent devotion; and in about half an hour 
afterwards Doctor Smelt entered the room — felt 
her pulse, and said, " My dear Caroline, I have 
just been called upon to visit, in consultation, a 
sick lady in our neighbourhood. I will be ab- 
sent only fifteen or twenty minutes. You must 
not be uneasy; for you have less fever than }ou 
had at this time yesterday ; and I hope you will 
have a very comfortable night." Her hands 
were still clasped, nor had she opened her eyes 
while he addressed her. Supposing her silence 
to be a mark of her disapprobation of his leav- 
ing her for a few moments, her father said in a 
tone of affection, " You do not wish me to go, 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 65 

Caroline V She then spoke and said, " O yes, 
go, papa, but do not stay longer than you can 
possibly help." He then left the room, and she 
was still observed to continue her devotion. 

Every thing remained in perfect silence until 
her father returned, which was about twenty 
minutes afterwards. He entered the room, 
found her in the same attitude in which he had 
left her, but a most alarming change in her 
pulse. He hastily threw himself into an easy 
chair near her bed-side, and manifested great 
emotion. He then inquired if it was not time 
for the visiting physicians to call. Mrs. Smelt 
seeing her husband so much alarmed, felt greatly 
agitated indeed, but was enabled to conceal her 
concern in a considerable degree. All things re- 
mained thus for a few minutes longer. Mrs. Smelt 
could not pray connectedly ; but broken aspira- 
tions and ejaculatory petitions were continually 
issuing and ascending from her heart. 

At length silence was interrupted by a knock 
at the door. Dr. Smelt rose and observed that 
he sincerely hoped the Doctors had come — 
thought he would again feel his daughter's 
pulse before he should see the gentlemen. But 
just as he was about to apply his fingers to her 
wrist he was arrested by her voice, which was 
raised in the softest and most melodious notes 
of thanksgiving and praise to God and to the 

E 



66 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

Lamb, for the clear, the undoubted manifesta- 
tion of Divine love which she had that moment 
received, and which filled her mind " with joy 
unspeakable and full of glory." She continued 
in audible, devout exercises, addressed to her 
God and Saviour, for perhaps more than half 
an hour. 

In the mean time two physicians had entered ; 
but they, as well as her parents, were over- 
whelmed with astonishment. Caroline was too 
much absorbed in pious contemplations to no- 
tice any person who was then about her. The 
medical gentlemen then approached the bed 
and felt her pulse. Her father was deeply 
affected, and has since declared that it was the 
most awful moment of his life ; for he at first 
thought her brain had become affected, by a 
sudden translation of the disease to that part : 
but in a short time he was convinced that this 
was not the fact. 

When her mind returned to the consideration 
of the objects around her, the first person whom 
Caroline noticed was her father. In the pre- 
sence of all in the room at that time, she told 
him what the Lord had done for her soul — that 
He had baptised her with the Holy Ghost — 
that she had wrestled in prayer only one short 
hour for the blessing, when she received it; 
whereas, father, Jacob strove one whole night. 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 67 

Here her delighted heart broke forth again in 
the sublimest strains of gratitude to free and 
sovereign grace, for the ransom of her soul. It 
is a source of regret that no adequate idea can 
be here communicated of the purity, fervour, 
and sublimity of this part of her exercises. 
In short, unless they had been penned down at 
the time, the one half could not be recollected. 
It is affirmed by all who were present, that 
they never heard or read of any thing more 
angelic. 

She did not forget poor sinners, while the 
smiles of heaven were upon her face, and the 
love of God was shed abroad in her heart. No : 
she engaged in audible prayer for all who were 
present; particularly for her beloved father, 
who was first mentioned — then her absent sis- 
ter-cousin, Cornelia Walker — then she affection- 
ately remembered her mother — then her kind 
physicians, two of whom were present— then 
her dear relatives — then the poor servants at- 
tached to her father's household. She also 
interceded for all the friends who had ever 
loved or been kind to her; as also for her 
enemies, if she had any (she knew of none) — 
then for the whole family of mankind, but more 
especially for the inhabitants of her native city ; 
and concluded, being much exhausted, with 



68 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

a fervent address for the advancement of the 
Redeemer's kingdom. 

Shortly afterwards she took a cordial mix- 
ture, which revived her strength for the moment, 
and was desired to speak no more that night. 
She replied, with a smile, " That is impossible ; 
for my tongue is loosed and my heart is full; 
and I must speak my Redeemer's praises." 

Her father and the other attending physicians, 
having recovered a little from the unusual state 
of mind, excited by the scene which they had 
just witnessed, retired to another room, in order 
to hold a consultation on her case. It is said, 
they all agreed that they had never felt such a 
pulse before; and thought that, without a speedy 
change, her case would be decided before morn- 
ing. It was then between eight and nine o'clock 
at night. Her father declared that, in the 
whole course of his practice, he had never 
witnessed so sudden a change : for when he left 
his daughter in order to visit the sick lady, he 
considered her symptoms more favourable than 
they had been, and by no means alarming — 
indeed he had never thought of danger until 
his return ; when he was alarmed to find her 
pulse as quick as lightning, with a dry and very 
hot skin. He was sensibly shocked; insomuch 
that from that night, his mind became so much 
disturbed as to unfit him for the exercise of his 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 69 

judgment in her case. Within two days after- 
wards, he was laid on a sick bed, from which 
he did not rise, except to make short visits to 
his beloved daughter, for several weeks. 

While the physicians had withdrawn to ano- 
ther apartment for consultation, Mrs. Smelt 
remained with her daughter, accompanied only 
by a kind female friend, and two or three faith- 
ful servants. Caroline then desired to embrace 
her mother, and said, " O my blessed mother, 
how true was that promise, The Lord will 
render double unto thee. How much you feel 
endeared to me! I have long since thought 
that no daughter ever loved a mother more 
than I loved you, but that was a selfish love. I 
now love you because Jesus loves you." Then 
in a kind of extacy, she exclaimed, " Yes ! 
Jesus loves my blessed mother, and will com- 
fort her ; for oh ! he loves me, and will enable 
her to give me up." She then addressed the 
servants in the most affectionate manner, a 
description or record of which, cannot be 
attempted here. 

The physicians returned to the sick bed, in- 
tending to commence a change in the treatment 
of her case." To their great surprise they found 
a most astonishing alteration in her pulse : it had 
become regular, and less frequent, with a fine 
soft skin. This change had been more sudden 

E 3 



70 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

than the former; and they were animated with 
fresh hopes. They resolved not to leave her 
that night, but to watch every turn or change 
which might ensue in her disease. They did so; 
and never did friends display more tender solici- 
tude than they all did, not only through this 
night, but throughout the whole period of her 
illness. She was never left, day or night, with- 
out the attendance of one, two, or more of he/ 
medical friends. They remained with her, and 
evinced the affectionate concern of near rela- 
tions ; for which they had in return the prayers 
of their pious patient, and will ever be entitled 
to the gratitude and warmest affection of her 
bereaved parents. But to return to her case. 

She was perfectly calm ; but so disposed for 
exhortation, that her medical friends were com- 
pelled to tell her that she would do herself a 
material injury if she did not invite sleep. She 
reasoned the matter with them, and told them, 
that in all things she would be submissive to 
their judgment except in that one particular ; 
observing that she had but little time in which 
to work; and that she must try to advance her 
Redeemer's cause while she was blessed with 
the powers of speech. She exhorted them indi- 
vidually, and then prayed for them collectively. 
They were sensibly affected, and wept freely. 
She continued to speak words of comfort to all 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 71 

around her, particularly to her father and mo- 
ther, until it was near morning ; when she fell 
into a sweet sleep for about two hours. She 
awoke much refreshed, but with considerable 
fever. It was the third day of September, and 
the sixth of her illness. It was thought an im- 
portant crisis, and that she must be kept very 
quiet during that day ; but she entreated that 
some of her friends might be allowed to visit her. 
Indeed she desired to send for several, with 
whom she said she must converse: she was 
accordingly indulged in this desire. 

Through that and five succeeding days, she 
was almost exclusively engaged in prayer and 
praises to God, and admonitions to the many 
friends who called to see her. 

As yet, she had given no particular descrip- 
tion of the manifestation which she had received ; 
but it was evident to all her pious friends who 
saw her, that the Lord was with her ; and this 
greatly comforted them. 

It was remarked by all who visited her, that 
they never saw a countenance expressive of so 
much heavenly serenity, and such celestial beauty, 
as appeared in hers during this and the succeed- 
ing part of her sickness. Her face frequently 
reminded some of her pious friends of what was 
said of the Patriarch Moses, when he came down 
from converse with his Maker on the mount, for 



72 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

it indeed appeared to shine with a sacred radi- 
ance, which suffered no change throughout her 
whole confinement. 

On Monday night, the 8th of September, her 
fever was very high, and her sufferings very 
great, she being extensively blistered ; hut still, 
not a complaint escaped her lips. Several dear 
friends sat up with her that night. A little 
before midnight she became silent ; and it was 
hoped that she had fallen asleep. She lay very 
quiet for some time, perhaps an hour. She then 
spoke, and asked for her, mother. Mrs. Smelt 
was sitting by her ; but thejroom had been some- 
what darkened to favour steep, and she did not 
at first distinguish her from her other friends. 

She then said, " My beloved mother; I have 
been praying that your faith may be strength- 
ened, and that the Lord would comfort you and 
my dear father." Her mother then embraced 
her, and desired her to try, if possible, to get a 
little sleep. To this request Caroline readily 
yielded obedience; and lay for a considerable 
time as if asleep. She then spoke audibly, and 
said, " Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednega 
passed through the fiery furnace, and not a hair 
of their heads was singed: for they loved God, 
and he was with them. I love him also, and he 
is with me. Oh ! my mother, the fever is high; 
but the Lord m\l sustain me and will bring me 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 73 

through, like gold tried and purified. He has 
been very gracious to me to-night. I calculated 
on a very painful one ; but I said nothing ; 
knowing that my Heavenly Father would not 
inflict one unnecessary pain, but would order all 
things well. Notwithstanding my faith was 
strong, I felt my feeble nature shrink from the 
idea of fresh blisters to my body, and cata- 
plasms to my feet. And when my medical 
friends suggested the necessity of their imme- 
diate application, I made no resistance; fori 
had resolved, when I was first taken sick, to 
be a submissive patient, if the Lord would 
strengthen me to improve the visitation to his 
honour. I knew that my dear father and mo- 
ther would be much distressed — that they would 
feel anxious that every effort should be made 
for my relief. — How unkind — how unjdutiful, 
then would it appear in me, to disappoint their 
wishes and increase their anxiety, by refusing to 
use the appointed means. But when I heard 
the plan for the night, my heart sunk within me. 
In a few moments I was enabled to raise my 
soul in prayer to my Heavenly Father. I peti- 
| tioned for grace, divine grace, to sustain me. I 
; immediately had such a view of my Redeemer's 
sufferings, that I felt willing, yea happy, to sub- 
mit to any pain. When the blisters began to 
draw, I felt the anguish most sensibly. I raised 



74 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

my heart again in prayer ; and in a very short 
time was enabled to say, with great sincerity, 
not my will, O Heavenly Parent, but thine be 
done. I soon felt not only comfortable, but such 
a sweet composure of mind — so heavenly, so en- 
tirety peaceful, that I fell into a delightful sleep. 
When I awoke I found those precious lines of 
Dr. Watts present to my memory: 

" Jesus can make a dying bed 
Feel soft as downy piltows are ; 
While on his breast I lean my head, 
And breathe my life out sweetly there." 

She continued, " O my mother, I have had many 
comforts to-night that I did not expect. Among 
other blessings, I have been favoured with a de- 
lightful vision/' She then invited the friends who 
were in her room to draw near the bed, that 
they might all hear, for her voice was feeble. 

" In the first place/' said she, " I was much 
engaged, in the early part of the night, in prayer 
that my faith might not fail. I had not then 
been asleep. All at once, I was carried in ima- 
gination to the sea-side. On a beautiful emi- 
nence, at some little distance, I saw a most 
magnificent house. It had many large windows, 
most brilliantly illuminated, and the light ema- 
nating from them was different from any I ever 
saw — it was a glorious light. 1 stood and 
viewed it with inexpressible pleasure, I wished 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 75 

to know who was the owner of the house ; and, 
in a moment, I was told that it was mine. This 
amazed me ; for 1 saw no person ; but I was not 
alarmed, for I felt as if the Shepherd of Israel 
was not far off. In a short time a very dark 
cloud arose, and I apprehended a storm. It soon 
burst with great violence upon mj house. The 
tempest increased. I said, those beautiful win- 
dows will be broken, even if the foundation 
stand. At length, I became concerned for the 
whole establishment. I prayed th?tt my house 
might not be destroyed. I soon felt comforted 
to find that it sustained no injury ; and the 
darker the tempest, the brighter the light be- 
came. The storm subsided, and my house ap- 
peared to be adorned with new beauties. I thought 
it was a vision, and asked for an explanation : 
the answer was, 'The house is an emblem of 
your faith in Christ, which shall never be shaken, 
and which shall carry you triumphantly through 
all your sufferings. Satan, the world, nor the 
flesh, shall never be able to injure your house; 
for it is founded on the rock of ages/ H 

The next morning she spoke much of death, 
and longed for its approach. She admonished 
many of her young friends, and intreated them 
to seek an interest in Christ, in preference to all 
other attainments. Believing her departure to 
be very near, she took a solemn leave of many 



76 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 






who visited her on, that day. With a counte- 
nance beaming with divine love, and a voice most 
harmonious, she said to her mother, " O my 
beloved mother ! weep not for me. My suffer- 
ings will soon terminate. Blessed be God ! who 
hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy 
from me. Through the blood of the cross, death 
is disarmed of all his terrors ; the grave, to which 
I am hastening, is deprived of all victory. Oh, 
the boundless goodness of God ! thus to support 
a frail worm of the dust; for what is man that 
he should be mindful of him ? or the son of 
man, that he should visit him] I am going — 
yes, I am going to that happy land, so finely 
described by Dr. Watts ;" repeating the follow- 
ing lines with great emphasis: 

" There is a land of pure delight, 
Where saints immortal reign ; 
Infinite day excludes the night, 
And pleasures banish pain. 

There everlasting spring abides, 

And never with'ring flowers; 
Death, like a narrow sea, divides 

This heavenly land from ours. 

Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood 

Stand dress'd in living green ; 
So to the Jews old Canaan stood, 

While Jordan roll'd between." 

She did not finish the hymn; but addressed 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 77 

some young friends who had just entered the 
room. " You see before you," said she, " a 
young, timid, delicate female, not yet seventeen 
years old — the only child of my beloved parents 
— surrounded with all the comforts of life — 
nurtured with peculiar tenderness, in the bosom 
of parental affection, from my earliest infancy, 
and always sheltered from the rude blasts of 
misfortune — blessed with the friendship of an 
extensive acquaintance, and beloved by all my 
dear relations. I could add many other consi- 
derations calculated to attach me to this world ; 
but I can say with holy joy, farewell to all! yed, 
I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is 
far better. I am going to my Redeemer's king- 
dom : his arms are open to receive me. O ! the 
incalculable benefits resulting from the religion 
of Jesus, the once crucified, but now gloriously 
exalted Son of God. What but this, my friends, 
could sustain me in this trying hour? My sen- 
sibility is not blunted. My heart was formed 
for sympathy and the sweets of friendship. I 
am sensible of the sorrow which my departure 
will occasion in the breasts of those whom I ten- 
derly love ; but I commit them to the care of 
one who is able to console them, and who will, 
1 trust, prepare them to join me in the regions 
of eternal glory, where we shall part no more. 
! my dear young friends, allow me [» intreat 



78 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

you to embrace this religion. To a bed of death 
you will all have to come ; and at the bar of 
judgment you will have to give an account of 
all the deeds done by you in this world ; and if 
the Saviour is not then your friend, I tremble to 
think of your fate. O! close with the offers of 
mercy. Now is the accepted time ; to-day is 
the day of salvatiou. When I am gone, will you 
ever think of me ? will you strive to remember 
the displays of God's mercy to me ? and will you 
endeavour to obtain his favour also? that you 
may finish your course as I hope to finish mine, 
rejoicing in redeeming love, comforted and sus- 
tained against every fear ? T feel peace in my 
heart, and joy unspeakable and full of glory." 

After being some time silent, she said to Mrs. 
Smelt, " My mother, let me see you put on the 
Christian's beautiful robe — holy submission. You 
will not be left alone; for the Lord is your 
friend, and he can be more to you than ten sons 
and daughters. Your case is by no means a 
new one. Recollect the trials of your name- 
sake, the mother of our blessed Redeemer. She 
was called upon to give up her only child — she 
did so. He died a most cruel and ignominious 
death. He had none of the temporal comforts 
which I enjoy — no friends to soothe his sorrows 
— no bed on which to rest his weary limbs — m 
kind attendants, to administer a cooling draught 



MISS CAKOLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 79 

to quench a parching thirst — no — He had to 
drink vinegar and gall. His blessed mother 
was not allowed to sit by him, as you sit by me, 
and receive divine comforts from his sacred lips. 
O my dear mother ! think of these things and 
believe yourself blessed. Let your faith rise in 
lively exercise, to the sufferings of the Son of 
God. View him in the garden ; go with him to 
Pilate. See his patient meekness ! like a lamb 
dumb before his shearers, so he opened not his 
mouth. He suffered, the just for the unjust, and 
by his stripes I am healed. He died that we 
might live. He bore our sins in his own body. 
He was God over all, blessed for ever, and yet 
he submitted to the death of the cross, that a 
perishing world might be saved. When I take 
a view of his compassionate mercy to rebellious 
sinners, I am lost in wonder. When I see his 
sacred temples perforated, and encircled with 
a 'crown of thorns, I am ready to cry out, and 
did my Saviour suffer thus ? for whom and for 
what was he thus afflicted and scourged ? In a 
moment, I answer, for me — poor unworthy me ; 
and not only for sinful me, but for you, my 
mother, and for as many as will believe in his 
all-sufficient atonement. When, with the eye of 
faith, I see my immaculate Saviour extended on 
the cross, my heart dissolves with tenderness and 
gratitude. I feel humble and submissive— ready 



80 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

and willing to suffer any thing ; yea, feel nappy 
in being thought worthy to suffer; for you know, 
whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth," &c. 

The physicians entered her room ; after which, 
with a sweet smile on her countenance, she said 
to them, " My kind friends and brothers, you 
have striven hard to raise this frail tenement; 
but it wilj be all in vain. You have done much 
for me. I have not been unmindful of the deep 
interest and tender solicitude, which you have 
discovered in my case. I have sensibly felt for 
the fatigue aud loss of rest, to which you have 
so willingly submitted, during my protracted 
illness; but I think it will soon draw to a ch-se. 
In return for so much kindness, allow me to bid 
an affectionate farewell to you all; but not be- 
fore I strive to impress a few important truths 
on your minds. " Then raising her eyes, she 
said, " may the God of mercy write them upon 
your hearts !" 

She then said much to them concerning the 
truth of the Scriptures — the necessity of being pre- 
pared for death. &c. and obtained a promise 
from them all, that they would not forget what 
she had said, aud would comply with the requests 
which she had made. She then bade them fare- 
well, aud said, I hope io see you again ; yes, I 
hope to see-you in my Redeemer's kingdom/' 
Her mother having retired for a few minutes, 



i 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. &] 

in order to conceal the emotions of her grief, 
which she felt unable to control, now returned 
and found all in the room in tears except her 
daughter. With a celestial mildness in her 
countenance, she then addressed her mother 
thus: now, my mother, the conflict will soon 
be over- I wish you to put on the whole 
Christian, and carry my most affectionate re- 
gard to my beloved father. Tell him, farewell. 
Tell him, I loved him in life, and loved him in 
the hour of death. Request him, from me, to 
pray frequently and fervently for regenerating 
grace. Tell him that I commit him, soul and 
body, to the Lord Jesus. Let it comfort him to 
know that I have unclouded prospects of an 
immediate entrance into my Heavenly Father's 
kingdom." Her mother then rose, went to Dr.* 
Smelt, who was sick in another room, and de- 
livered the message of Caroline to her father; 
who, in return, sent to her, by Mrs. Smelt, a 
similar expression of his warm affection, accom- 
panied by a fervent prayer that her life might 
be continued many years. On receiving this 
information, Caroline said, u I am sorry that my 
dear parents do not feel more resigned to the 
will of God ; but he will comfort them in his 
own time, and in his own way." 

After pausing for some minutes, as if to gather 



82 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

strength to speak, she called her mother to her 
and said, " My blessed mother, I have been 
praying that your faith may be strengthened, 
and that the Lord may be your friend in life 
and in death. I now wish you to take a plea- 
sant view of your daughter — bid her farewell; 
and if you cannot, with composure, witness her 
departure, retire to another room. The conflict 
will soon be over, and the Lord will not forsake 
you." Her mother's heart was deeply pene- 
trated with that voice, which she thought she 
was now hearing for the last time. She regarded 
her daughter with affectionate admiration, and 
lingered in suspense, hesitating whether to re- 
main or retire. Although she spoke not a word, 
yet Caroline seemed to conceive correctly what 
her feelings were, and continued her address 
in these words, " yes, my precious mother, the 
Lord will enable you. Only cast yourself upon 
him — look to him for strength, and plead with 
him for faith. Divine faith can enable us to 
perform every duty — to overcome mountainous 
difficulties. Faith in the Son of God enables 
me to part with you, my mother, without feeling 
one pang, on my own account." She then made 
an effort to extend her arms to embrace her 
mother ; who folded her to her bosom and said, 
" farewell, my beloved daughter." Caroline 
then exclaimed, " I feel clothed with the whole 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 83 

armour of God. Farewell, my blessed mother; 
the Lord will be your comforter." 

As Mrs. Smelt rose from the bed, her daugh- 
ter said to her, " now, my mother, give me a 
gracious smile." This request being complied 
with, she observed, " O that gracious smile! 
how often has it gladdened my youthful heart, 
and how it rejoices me at this moment! but we 
must now part; my Redeemer will soon come 
for me." They embraced again, and her mother 
retired. She entered her husband's sick room 
to prepare him for what she thought would 
shortly follow. She bowed at his bed-side and 
engaged in prayer. The feelings of parental 
grief soon became too strong in both, to allow 
them to afford much consolation to each other. 

As soon as her mother had retired, Caroline 
requested the physicians to take seats, and then 
desired them not to attempt to give her drink, 
or any thing else, from that time— no, not so 
much as to moisten her lips, as it would disturb 
her. She then desired her other friends who 
were present to take seats also; having previously 
taken a most affectionate leave of them all. She 
was so much exhausted that her voice failed. 
All the friends were much affected ; supposing 
her end was near at hand. She immediately 
extended herself in the bed — opened her arms, 
and said, "Now let perfect silence be observed," 



84 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

She closed her eyes, and continued in the same 
position for one hour and a quarter ; evincing no 
symptom of life except a gentle and feeble respi- 
ration, with a countenance beautifully serene. 

At the expiration of the time stated, she 
gasped, attended with a slight agitation of the 
nerves; which induced the friends to suppose 
that a convulsion was coming on. The physi- 
cians having calculated, by their watches, the 
time which she had lain without taking refresh- 
ment of any kind, and presuming her to be 
insensible, concluded at least to moisten her 
lips, though it was contrary to her directions. 
They did so ; which produced another general 
agitation of the nerves. 

A kind female friend who was present, and 
felt much interested for the suffering patient, 
approached the bed, and offered up a petition 
to heaven, that she might be favoured with an 
easy death ! This was done audibly. At that 
moment Caroline raised her voice and exclaimed 
"Glory! Glory! Glory!" Her efforts to be 
heard were so strong, aud her bodily strength 
so feeble, that her friend said, " O my dear 
child! you will exhaust yourself;" and then 
exclaimed, " O blessed Saviour ! grant this 
lamb an easy passport into thy kingdom.'' 
Caroline immediately replied, "my dear aunt, 
don't say so, for the greater the struggle, the 






MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 85 

brighter the crown," and then again exclaimed, 
" Glory ! Glory ! I want all the world to hear 
me sound my Redeemer's praises." After a few 
minutes, her friends desired that she should take 
some refreshment. She said "yes, I will take it 
now, for my Saviour will not take me as soon as 
I hoped he would. I have been too impatient 
to depart ; but I now feel submissive to his will, 
for his banner over me is love." She then took 
some nourishment, and asked for her mother. 

When Mrs. Smelt entered, Caroline said, " O 
my mother, embrace me. We have met again. 
You, no doubt feel thankful, but I have been 
disappointed. When I recover a little more 
strength I will tell you where I have been." The 
physicians requested that she might be kept 
perfectly quiet, and no conversation be allowed. 
They said her pulse was good, and her fever on 
the decline — that she must go to sleep. After 
this she rested quietly for some time ; but it was 
not thought that she slept. She appeared to be 
engaged in devotion and silent prayer. 

After she was somewhat refreshed, and be- 
came more able to speak, she proceeded, in the 
presence of several persons, to give her mother 
a statement of what had passed, after they had 
mutually taken leave of each other, as related 
above. She said she had for several days been 
very anxious to depart, and be with Christ — not 

F3 



86 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

that she felt impatient under her sufferings — no 
— she would not have desired one painless; but 
she wanted to enjoy the bliss of heaven, and to 
see her Redeemer, all glorious as he is. " For 
if my soul," said she, " was so enraptured with 
the communications of his love while on a sick 
bed, what would it be when completely trans- 
formed into his glorious image] This day, I 
have been signally blessed with divine views ; 
and from my general ^feelings, I thought nature 
was dissolving. I was enabled to smile upon 
death. I brought my coffin to my view, and said 
* O ! that this feeble clay-body were but quietly 
deposited wkhin your narrow limits/ I thought 
of my burial clothes — I could not decide on 
what I should like to be dressed in — I consi- 
dered that I had nothing sufficiently plain. But 
I soon dismissed those unimportant reflections, 
and felt nothing but an increasing anxiety to 
depart. My feelings bordered on impatience. 
This was sinful ; for I should have held every 
wish in sweet subjection to the divine will. But 
to continue. When I parted with you, I fully 
believed that my gracious Redeemer would call 
me, in a few moments. I placed myself in a 
ready position. At that instant I entered a 
dark labyrinth — it was dark as midnight ; but I 
felt no fear. I thought it was the dark valley of 
death, and that my Saviour would soon meet 



MISS CAKOLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 87 

me — He did not come. I waited a considerable 
time — I became impatient — I said, I shall be 
disappointed at last. I began to be alarmed ; I 
prayed ; my faith strengthened ; I felt composed 
and comforted. At length I said, will not my 
Saviour come ? The answer was, no, you will have 
to return, and wait God's time. Dismay seized 
me. I repeated, must I indeed go back to the 
world ] All at once I was rilled with peace : I 
opened my eyes, and found I was just where I 
had started from. I prayed for the grace of 
God to support me under this disappointment. 
I heard what my dear aunt said, and immedi- 
ately, by a power not my own, was obliged to 
cry out Glory ! O my mother ! I see it was 
intended as a trial of my faith. I see, I re- 
quired more submission to the will of my Hea- 
venly Father.' It was a great struggle, but faith 
has come off victorious. I am now perfectly 
resigned to the will off heaven. I have not a 
single wish of my own. I am now willing to live, 
or ready to die, whichever God pleases. He 
knows what is best for me, and ' has caused the 
enemy (a entreat me well in time of evil, and in 
the time of affliction. 1 I feel the love of God in 
my heart, arid know that I am his." 

She then inquired after her father, and re- 
quested her mother to go and tell him, she felt 
so much revived, that she thought it probable 



88 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

she should remain some time longer with them* 
That night she rested well, and the next morn- 
ing was evidently better. 

September 9th. This day she was sensible 
of a great change, which favoured the hope of 
her recovery ; but she said she felt no anxiety 
except to promote her Redeemer's cause ; and 
to the utmost of her power, were her efforts con- 
tinually directed to this end. She exhorted and 
admonished every one who entered her room, of 
whatever age, rank, condition, or colour. To 
detail the whole of her pious exercises would 
require a volume ; and it is deeply regretted, 
that much has escaped the memory of her best 
friends. This is not wonderful, when it is con- 
sidered that bodily indisposition and sorrow of 
heart, confined her parents to sick beds for 
days together. 

She was often visited by the Revi Mr. D. and 
other professors of religion of distinguished re- 
putation for piety. It is worthy of remark, that 
ijrstead of administering instruction or comfort 
to her, they become delighted listeners, mute 
with astonishment ; and except in the article of 
praying with her, they seldom said more, than 
merely to make a few inquiries respecting her 
health. One of them observed I hat he came to 
receive instruction — to be taught of her; for she 
was a preacher of righteousness. " She strives," 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 89 

said he, " with all the powers of an almost in- 
spired eloquence, to induce every one around 
her to embrace that Saviour, whose arms are 
ready to embrace every fallen child of Adam, 
that will turn to him and rely on his ability and 
willingness to save/' She expressed great satis- 
faction whenever they called. She frequently 
sent for Mr. A. M. from uniting with whom in 
prayer, she derived peculiar delight. She called 
him her dear brother in the Lord. 

One day, after being visited by some pious 
persons, she observed to her mother, that it 
afforded her great pleasure to converse with th« 
children of God ; " for to them/' said she, " I 
speak in a known tongue. They know the im- 
port of every word, having been taught in the 
same school. O mother, I now understand that 
passage in the Holy Scriptures, which tells us, 
the wisdom of man is foolishness with God. It 
is indeed foolishness — perfect folly. All that I 
ever knew is but as a drop to the ocean, in com- 
parison with what I now feel and know. The 
Holy Comforter is indeed a divine teacher. Oh ! 
that all the world would seek after true wisdom, 
for her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all 
her paths are peace." 

September 10th. She was still better, her 
fever light, and all her symptoms favourable. 
On this day she conversed freely and frequently 



00 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

with her mother, and referred, with great plea- 
sure, to her acquaintance with the Rev. Mr. J. 
She said " she had often felt very solemn under 
the preaching of the Rev. Dr. Thompson ; 
but these impressions would soon pass away; 
they were like the early cloud and morning 
dew. But under Mr. J.'s preaching she had 
been made to see, and to feel the necessity of 
having an interest in Jesus. Oh, mother ! if you 
live to see that man of God, tell him what the 
Lord has done for my soul. Tell him, he was 
one of the happy instruments employed by my 
Heavenly Father to bring me to Christ. Tell 
him all; it will fill his heart with joy and glad- 
ness." Mrs. Smelt then observed to her daugh- 
ter, that she hoped she would live to tell him 
herself. Caroline replied, " My mother, you 
must not wish or hope; leave the event to God, 
who doeth all things well. When I reflect/' said 
she, " on my deportment towards Mr. J. I think 
how great must his discouragements have been. 

1 wonder that he did not give me up ; but he 
did not. How often has he said, come out from 
the world, Miss Caroline, come out ! and on 
one occasion he observed, if you mill come out 

from the world, I feel as if a host ivould follow . 
Nothing but his engagedness in his Master's 
work could have made him so anxious for my 
eternal welfare, Oh ! if I could now see him, I 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 91 

would speak to him without reserve. I should 
be delighted to receive the sacrament of the 
Lord's Sapper from his hands; and I am 
resolved, if I am raised from this bed, the first 
place I shall go to, will be the church. I will 
there present myself in the presence of the con- 
gregation, and make a public profession of my 
faith in Christ. Oh how I lament that I have 
so often neglected opportunities of doing this, 
when I was in health ! Now I should delight 
to take my mother by the hand, and in the pre- 
sence of seven millions of people, take a seat 
with her at the table of the Lord." 

When she desired an interest in the prayers 
of the church, she addressed the Rev. Mr. D. 
thus : " Mr. G. I desire an interest in the prayers 
of your congregation to-morrow. Will you 
oblige me, sir, by stating that Caroline Eliza- 
beth, only daughter, only child of Doctor Smelt, 
requests an interest in the prayers of God's 
people] She desires not that they may pray for 
her life; but that God may graciously please to 
continue his divine love to her — that she may 
continue to feel the same dutiful resignation to 
his blessed will — the same patient submission 
under sufferings, which he has kindly bestowed 
on her for a number of days past," &c. She 
then requested Mr. D. to adminter the sacra- 
| tnent of the Lord's Supper to her. In this, he 



92 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

was ready and willing to gratify her ; but the 
physicians considered her too feeble to sustain 
the exercises necessary, without injury to her 
health. When she heard the objections, she 
replied with great meekness, " It is well; I 
deserve the disappointment. I often rejected 
this feast when all things were ready ; and now, 
when I am ready, my kind friends think it inex- 
pedient. Well, the Lord permits it thus to be; it 
is right — it is just that I should be disappointed 
here ; but he will not refuse me a seat at his 
table above." 

She then recited much of the Lord's dealings 
with her, from the time when she was seven 
years old. She said she had been surprised 
that so many people had shown a love to her — 
that sometimes she had been so uncharitable as 
to suppose the attentions which she had re- 
ceived proceeded from an idea that, as she was 
an only child, and the darling of her parents, 
she expected great civilities — for which reason, 
she had thought it probable, that several persons 
had made a display of love and friendship to- 
wards her, which they did not really feel ; for 
she herself felt as if she had no attractions. 
" But now," said she, " I see what it was — God 
loved me ; though I did not know it at the time, 
and he put it into the hearts of his children to 
love me also." 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 93 

September 11th. She appeared so much 
better, that little doubt was entertained of her 
recovery. This day|she was visited by many 
friends, and was uncommonly 2ealous and feel- 
ing in her conversation with them. A very 
intelligent female friend, who heard her on this 
occasion, afterwards observed, that she was the 
most divine preacher she had ever heard — that her 
eloquence and fervour far surpassed any thing 
she had ever witnessed— that her voice seemed 
to partake of the nature of heaven. Her prayers 
astonished every one. The same friend, at 
another time, expressed her surprise at the 
extraordinary powers which she exhibited. To 
this Caroline replied, " My mental powers are 
exceedingly enlarged — the Holy Spirit is my 
teacher — of myself I could do nothing ; but a 
new tongue has been given me, and a new spirit 
, put within me. Give God the praise ; for he 
hath said, out of the mouths of babes and suck- 
lings shall praise be perfected. Behold what he 
has done iti my case ! I who could not, a few 
weeks ago, raise my voice to be heard without 
embarrassment, particularly if the religion of 
Jesus was the subject, can now speak with holy 
boldness and inexpressible delight. My kind 
physicians try to impose silence ; but I must 
speak. I have perhaps but a short time to la- 
bour — my Master's work I must do. His com- 



94 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

mands are more important than theirs, and I 
delight to do his will. O ! that all the world 
could feel as 1 do. O! that the Lord would 
make me the happy instrument of turning one 
soul to Christ. O! that my dear young friends 
would come out from the world, as my friend 
and brother Mr. J. used to say to me." 

She then addressed some young persons who 
were present, in a most pathetic und eloquent 
manner, expressive of her most affectionate 
attachment and earnest solicitude for their pre- 
sent and future felicity. Of this part of her 
exercises it is not believed that any complete or 
just representation can be given here; therefore 
it will not be attempted. 

On the subject of worldly amusement, she 
was uncommonly earnest and forcible. In 
speaking on this subject to some friends, she 
said, " Let no person, endowed with rational 
powers, call them innocent or harmless. How 
can that be innocent, which leads to a prodigal 
waste of precious time? How can that thing be 
called harmless, which leads to an unnecessary 
exposure of health ? How can that amusement 
be innocent, which has not the glory of God 
for its object 1 How can that amusement be 
harmless, which has a* direct tendency to unfit 
the mind for devotional exercises ? We are such 
frail creatures that we constantly require some 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 1)5 

•excitement to lead us to God, and not to estrange 
ns from him. Will any venture to say, that they 
have been brought to love the Lord Jesus better, 
by having attended a theatre or a ball-room ? I 
presume not. I can say from my own experi- 
ence, that I never derived solid improvement 
or real pleasure from either. From neither of 
them, have I ever derived any tiling, which 
could afford my mind the least satisfaction in 
hours devoted to self-examination, nor any 
thing to strengthen the soul against the terrors 
of death and judgment. I consider them worse 
than vanity — they are exceedingly sinful." 

She spoke much of her absent relatives and 
friends, and desired that particular messages 
might be delivered to them. She observed that 
it would afford her inexpressible satisfaction to 
see them once more— to tell them all that the 
Lord had done for her soul, and to encourage 
them to rest their hopes on him. " But," said 
she, " if it be decreed that we shall not meet 
again in this life, tell them, it will be their own 
fault if we do not meet in another and a better 
world — tell them, there is room enough for all, 
in my Redeemer's kingdom — and he will give 
Ihem a gracious reception, if they will only take 
up the cross and follow him." Then addressing 
herself particularly to her mother, she said, " O 
my mother ! it would give me such happiness 



96 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

to see my pious friend, Mr. J. I feel as if he was 
my spiritual father, my dear brother in the 
Lord. Could he see me now, I trust he would 
not be ashamed to own me as his child, his 
sister; no: he would gladly own the relationship." 
It was remarked by the many friends who saw 
her, that they never witnessed stronger filial 
affection in their lives. She was ever on the 
watch to pour the balm of consolation into the 
heart of her sorrowing mother; and omitted 
nothing that she thought calculated to relieve 
her feelings. 

September 12th, On this day she felt so 
much better, though she still had some fever, 
which never went entirely off, that several friends 
did not hesitate to tell her, that she was getting 
well very fast. Her mother, standing by her 
bed-side, said, "yes, the beloved of my heart is 
indeed recovering; and I do hope the Lord has 
heard my prayers, and will prolong her precious 
life many years." Caroline looked concerned. 
Some one observed, " I have no doubt of it, I 
think she will be able to ride out in a few days."* 
She immediately gave the friend a gentle rebuke. 
Mrs. Smelt then turned from the bed. In an 
instant Caroline called her back,' and said, "My 
blessed mother, I did not intend that for you. 
I know your maternal tenderness induces ycu 
to hope, and I conceive those hopes are perfecty 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 97 

natural when kept under proper restrictions. I 
should be very sorry if you should think me 
capable of departing from my duty as a child, 
so far as to rebuke you, my mother. No ; I 
have too high a sense of that sacred command, 
which says, * honour thy father and mother,' &c. 
and too much love and gratitude to you, ever 
to speak unbecomingly. I thought our friend 
(pointing to the person) spoke rather presump- 
tuously, and needed a rebuke. But I did not 
intend the least offence to him, only to remind, 
him that the secret designs of God were known 
only to himself, and that the event of my case 
was known only to my Heavenly Father." 

The visiting friends having all retired, Caro- 
line and her mother were left alone for an hour 
or two. The daughter then communicated many 
of the exercises of her mind, since she had been 
confined to that bed. " Mother," said she, " let 
no one call it a bed of affliction, it has been to 
me a heavenly bed. I wish 1 could describe^the 
visitation I had on the second night of this 
month, and which I still feel with a grateful 
recollection. How mercifully did the Lord deal 
with me ! 1 was oppressed with a heavy burden: 
I felt guilty, self-condemned, and bowed down, 
the passage of Scripture which I mentioned 
constantly ringing in my ears. I felt ill, ex- 
tremely ill. I was not afraid of death in itself, 

G 



98 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

but I feared the displeasure of God. I derived 
no comfort from the reflection that I had not 
been guilty of great crimes ; no comfort from 
the recollection that I had never, in conversa- 
tion, or in any other way, used my Maker's 
name irreverently. I have always held it sacred; 
for even in prayer or reading, I felt solemn 
whenever I repeated it. I knew my situation in 
life and a pious education had kept me from 
being exposed to gross temptations ; but I felt 
that I had lived in the neglect of many known 
duties, and in the abuse of many distinguished 
blessings ; that I had stifled many strong con- 
victions, and grieved the Holy Spirit of God, 
who had been striving with me in various ways, 
ever since I was seven years old. I tried to 
draw comfort from the recollection, that I had 
for some months past resolved to take a decided 
stand to serve the Lord ; but how did I know 
that he would accept my imperfect services 
after such rebellion against him? I remembered 
the anxiety which I felt to return to this house. 
The Lord had gratified me sooner than I ex- 
pected. I had resolved, as soon as we got set- 
tled, to commence a new system of devotion, 
and was impatient to begin. The first night on 
which I returned to the occupancy of my cham- 
ber deserves to be remembered. As soon as I 
found myself alone, I prostrated myself on the 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 09 

carpet, and poured out my soul in prayer to my 
Heavenly Father. I resolved, by his assistance 
to make it an important period in my life ; and 
from that moment to give up all worldly amuse- 
ments. I made a solemn promise never to 
dance another step; never to enter a theatre 
again, nor to resort to places of festivity and 
mirth. I considered them as all belonging to 
the same family, and injurious to a growth in 
grace. I then pleaded, with tears and great 
fervency, that my God and Saviour would con- 
descend to consecrate my chamber; that he 
would make it a little Bethel, where he would 
often meet me. I then felt so comforted and 
strengthened in my good resolutions, that I had 
no doubt of my prayer being answered. But 
on the second day of this month, I received no 
consolation from a review of those circumstances; 
no, not a ray of light from any quarter. Worlds 
would I have given for an interest in the re- 
demption purchased by the blessed Redeemer. 
Without this, I felt I was for ever lost. I strove 
to be fervent in prayer ; but many friends called, 
and I was much interrupted. I was enabled all 
the forepart of the day to appear composed, for 
I felt very unwilling, my dear mother, to increase 
your sorrows by telling you I was unhappy ; but 
in the evening I could not restrain my feelings ; 
I was compelled to let you know all. You then 



100 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

prayed for me, and repeated many precious 
promises. I felt a sudden heat pass over me ; 
it surpassed any thing which I ever felt before. 
My whole system seemed as if in a furnace. I 
was alarmed. I desired you to engage with me 
in silent prayer. O ! then my wrestlings com- 
menced, and for one hour, one short hour, they 
continued, at the end of which period, I was 
most wonderfully blessed. What I felt at that 
moment can never be described. The Spirit of 
God was in my soul, nor can I express the half 
of what he then revealed to me. Indeed, I dare 
not attempt to describe the maifestation which 
I then received. I felt the power of the Holy 
Ghost ; I felt that my soul was ransomed by 
the blood of the cross ; every sin washed away, 
and my name recorded in the Lamb's book of 
life. Love to God, and love to his people filled 
my heart. I knew of a truth that Jesus was 
mine, and I was his ; and from that moment to 
this, my faith, my views have been the very 
same, though my ectasies have not always 
been equally great. One small cloud or temp- 
tation, and one only, has Satan been permitted 
to cast in my way, and that only for a few 
minutes. The Hearer of Prater soon removed 
it. I believe it was permitted, to show me my 
weakness, and to try my faith ; but the Lord 
soon said to my soul> 'fear not, for I am with 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 101 

thee,' O my mother! do you wonder that I 
should be patient and happy, when I have such 
divine support, such holy comforts ¥' 

She then desired that her position in the bed 
might be changed. This was done; by which 
means she had a commanding view of the gar- 
den, from a window near her bed. It was then 
near sunset, and a most beautiful evening. As 
soon as she saw her flowering shrubs, (several 
of which were loaded with rich flowers,) she 
broke forth in the most exalted strains of admi- 
ration, and adoring ejaculations, to the great 
Architect of the universe. She commented 
sweetly on the particular time of the evening. 
It was admirably adapted to sacred contempla- 
tion — then on the serenity of the azure vault of 
heaven — then on a floating white cloud ; and 4 
remarked the harmony which subsisted, and was 
apparent in all the works of God. She then 
asked, " why do frail mortals seek pleasure in 
noisy, tumultuous amusements, when such an 
ample volume lies open to their view?" She 
then took leave of a favourite shrub, saying, 
" farewell, my innocent friend ; your fragrant 
blossoms have often regaled my senses, while 
my thoughts have ascended to Him that made 
both you and me. I have often plucked your 
flowers, and ran with delight to present them to 
my mother; but other hands will now gather 

Q 3 



102 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

your blossoms : farewell, my tree, I long to be 
in the garden above. 

" The finest flower that ever blow'd 
Open'd on Calvary's tree, 
When Jesus' blood in rivers flowed 
For love of worthless me. 

Its deepest hue, its sweetest smell 

No mortal can "declare; 
Nor can the tongue of angels tell 

How bright the colours are. 

But soon, on yonder banks above, 

Shall every blossom here 
Appear a full-blown flower of love, 

Like him, transplanted there." 

Her countenance beamed with radiance when 
she said, " farewell, garden, delightful spot for in- 
nocent amusement ! My infant feet have often 
trod your walks" — and smiling when she repeated, 
u they will never walk them again. 7 ' She then 
listened, with apparent rapture, to the notes of a 
little bird, that was perched on a tree near her 
window, until her soul seemed transported almost 
to heaven. She soon afterwards desired her 
mother to bring the Bible to her, and read the 
121st Psalm, the whole of which she was enabled 
to apply to herself. Mrs. Smelt then read to 
her some passages in Isaiah. Caroline exclaimed, 
" it is the word of God : I feel it in my very souL 
Isaiah is a divine prophet ; he is my prophet/' 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 103 

A friend entered soon afterwards, to whom 
Caroline said, " My dear aunt, I have taken 
leave of the garden this evening, and have felt 
so happy, so entirely filled with divine love, 
that my room has appeared like a little Bethel, 
or the gate of heaven. " She then desired her 
mother to read to her aunt the same psalm over 
again, saying, " every word of that psalm is 
applicable to me, for the Lord has preserved, 
and will keep me to the end, even for ever and 
ever." She then repeated to her friend many 
of the sentiments which she had just before 
littered to her mother, on the subject of the 
garden, &c. After which, she said, she had 
never before seen nature dressed in so beautiful 
a robe — that a peculiar brightness or lustre 
appeared to rest upon every flower, and upon 
every leaf — that the whole sky, and even the 
little cloud seemed to bear a strong impress of 
her Maker's glory, and concluded with the fol- 
lowing beautiful lines : 

" The spacious firmament on high, 
"With all the blue ethereal sky, 
And spangled heavens, a shining frame, 
Their great original proclaim." 

September 13th. Having rested very com- 
fortably during the preceding night, she was 
this day, to all appearance, considerably better. 



101 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

She was cheerful, and observed to her mother, 
that she began to think that the Lord might 
intend to restore her to health ; that the pre- 
ceding evening she had felt a strong impression 
that she should soon be removed — " that is," 
said she, " I hoped so, but I was not impatient: 
I felt perfect submission; for while I am fed 
with such rich provisions, I have nothing to 
fear. But to-day 1 have felt such a revival of 
bodily strength, that I do not know but God 
may spare me to you and my dear father a little 
longer, perhaps for some years: and I have been 
endeavouring to be thankful on your account, 
and to be reconciled to live, that I may be a 
comfort to you both, and useful to my friends* 
I have been laying the most delightful plans to 
advance my Redeemer's cause, in every way in 
my power. If my life be prolonged, I intend 
to employ every talent to his honour. I will 
visit the poor, not only in town, but in the 
country. I will exhort and admonish them to 
serve the Lord. And as the spirit of prayer 
has been bestowed on nie in a very comfortable 
measure, I will pray with them in their cottages ; 
I will instruct their poor children ; I will take a 
class in the Sunday-school ; I will instruct our 
own servants, for they all love me, and deserve ' 
my particular attention. I will tell every one of 
the goodness of God, and that he is worthy to 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT; 105 

be served. I shall never be backward in re- 
proving my young friends, wben I see tbey 
require it; and I shall feel it to be an important 
duty, though I shall endeavour to do it with 
great meekness. Nor shall I ever feel backward 
to introduce religious conversation, in the hope 
that a word in season may be spoken to some 
soul. O ! mother, I think I can employ myself 
so agreeably, that I may well be reconciled to 
live many years, if it should be the will of my 
Heavenly Father to continue me here. Yes, I 
will be reconciled, for whatever he does, is right. 
O ! mother, I wish Mr. J. may return to this 
country ; he will never again call me the tacit 
Caroline. I could now hold sweet converse 
with him, for the Lord has filled my mouth with 
good things. I could tell him things which 
would fill his pious heart with joy and gladoess. 
He would feel encouraged to go on with renewed 
zeal in his Heavenly Father's work. If he could 
gee me, poor feeble me, now that I am brought 
out of darkness into marvellous light, he would 
never despair of reclaiming others. Do, mother, 
write to him ; I am sure he would come if he 
knew all, and spend the winter here." 

About the middle of the day she sent for Mr. 
M. When he came, she desired him to pray 
with her. She then conversed very pleasantly 
with him, and mentioned her willingness to live 



106 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

or to die, but intreated him to remember her in 
his private visits to a throne of grace. She told 
him how much she had respected and esteemed 
him ever since she first knew him, when she was 
seven years old ; and begged him, should she 
be raised from that sick bed, never to feel the 
least hesitancy to admonish or reprove her, 
should he see that she required it. She also 
expressed a hope that all her Christian friends 
would do the same. 

In the evening she was so much better, that 
her physicians indulged her in a wish to sit 
up in an easy chair. When she was about to 
rise, she desired that none but her mother and 
a faithful servant should assist her. As soon 
as she left the bed, she took Mrs. Smelt by the 
arm and said, " now, mother, kneel by the 
side of this bed with me." They kneeled 
down ; after which she offered up a most evan- 
gelical prayer, in which she implored grace to 
make her thankful for being raised from the 
first sick bed, upon which she had ever been 
laid — and that, whether she lived months, days, 
weeks, or years, she might live to the glory of 
God — that she might ever be mindful of the 
manifestations of divine love, which she had 
received in that room, and on that bed — that 
she might never be allowed to sin because grace 
abounded, but that she might always feel the 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 107 

same holy submission, the* same holy desires, 
which then filled her heart. She prayed for 
sinners generally ; and, finding her strength fail- 
ing, she made a most pathetic address to heaven, 
saying, it was known to her Heavenly Father 
what was in her heart to say, and that t( He 
would have mercy and not sacrifice." She then 
renewed her engagements to be Christ's, and 
committed herself to his care, at which time she 
came near to fainting. Her mother was obliged 
to raise her — led her to the easy chair, and 
administered a cordial. In a few minutes she 
revived, and requested that the physicians and 
friends might be called from an adjoining room 
— she knew it would give them pleasure to see 
her sitting up. She conversed very pleasantly 
for a short time ; but feeling faint, she was ad- 
vised to return to her bed. This she did, and 
rested tolerably well the whole of that night. 

September 14th. Her appearance this day 
inspired her friends with still stronger hopes of 
her recovery. The physicians directed her 
again to sit up half an hour. Her mother, being 
much fatigued, and considerably indisposed, 
retired early in the day, to take some rest. On 
her return, she found Caroline unusually cheer- 
ful, in which state she continued through the 
residue of that day. In the evening she was 
observed to be very feeble, but still much 



108 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

inclined to conversation; and every thing she 
said was so interesting and instructive, that it 
was a, difficult matter to impose silence upon 
her. Mrs, Smelt at length expressed to her a 
fear lest she would do herself an injury; and 
requested her to forbear for a little while, at 
least until she recovered a little more strength* 
To this Caroline replied with a sweet smile, 
" My dear mother,"" do not fear. When I feel 
the greatest prostration of bodily strength, I am 
then strongest in the Lord. Throughout my 
whole indisposition heretofore, there have been 
periods in each day, (at least ever since I have 
been convalescent,) that I have felt as if life 
were ebbing ; and at those times I have enjoyed 
the sweetest communion with my Heavenly 
Father. I feel no anxiety but for you. I wish 
to see your faith stronger. I want to see you 
free from hopes or fears; and to be prepared for 
every providence. O! I am greatly blessed. 
I feel for my dear father's sufferings, and hope 
they may be sanctified ; but I know he is in the 
hands of God, who doeth all things well. I 
am distressed about nothing ; that is, my faith 
sustains me — my soul is at peace. I know, my 
mother, that great allowances will be made for 
your feelings. Your maternal affections are 
very strong — you love me tenderly — I am your 
only child; and my Heavenly Father is full 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 100 

of compassion. He knows that feeble nature 
will feel, even when his dear children submit 
to his chastisements with a becoming spirit. 
Tears are not offensive to him; for you know 
Jesus wept with Mary at the grave of Lazarus, 
and he will sustain you. He is your friend — he 
is my friend, and he will never leave us nor for- 
sake us. Now, mother, just take a view of his 
tender mercies to me. Every morning I am so 
refreshed, that I am able to go through the 
necessary changes for my comfort, and I have 
prayed that this might be continued ; for I never 
could feel pleasant, unless I were entirely neat. 
Besides, I am able to have my little Be4hel 
(room) neatly attended to, every morning, and 
all my litile comforts kept in order, without the 
smallest inconvenience to my feelings. I am 
furnished with every necessary comfort. Let 
me tell you of a circumstance that occurred the 
other day. I thought for a few moments that I 
should like to refresh my mouth with a lime ; 
but I considered that no such thing could be 
had in town at this time, and as I had oranges, 
I would be content. Within a few hours after- 
wards, a present of several dozen of limes was 
sent to me by an almost perfect stranger, and 
from the distance of several miles too. I imme- 
diately gave God the praise. Oh! he is ever 
mindful of his children, and will never let them 



110 f MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

want any good thing. Only see what kind 
friends he has given me ! not one seems weary 
in serving me ; no, they will not take rest when 
they might. Here is my beloved cousin (pointing 
to one) who is ever on the watch to put her soft 
hand in active operation for my comfort. There 
is my dear aunt, whose very voice brings comfort 
with it, gives me every leisure moment ; and this 
kind mother-aunt (pointing to another friend) 
will not leave me by day or night. My kind 
physicians discover the interest of fathers and 
brothers. They know my own father is ill, and 
in sorrow ; and they scarcely leave us, even to 
attend to their professional duties. The minis- 
ters of the Lord, and my dear friend Mr. M. 
visit me every day, to help me with their 
prayers. Our faithful servants show such affec- 
tionate solicitude, that I am never left a moment 
without their attendance ; and they appear to 
give their services with the utmost readiness— 
and all my acquaintances show me great kind- 
ness. My bed has been to me a heavenly one 
— my chamber has been a Bethel, for here has 
the Lord condescended to meet with me — here 
has he poured out his Spirit upon me— here 
has he answered my prayers, and here will I 
raise my Ebenezer, for hitherto hath the L^rd 
helped me. O my mother! let these things ex- 
cite in your heart fresh confidence and gratitude 



MISS* CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. Ill 

to God, whose mercies are renewed to us every 
morning, and repeated every evening — every 
moment." 

At this time, all her friends thought her much 
better, except her mother, whom the faculty 
considered unreasonable for indulging a doubt 
of her recovery. But she thought her daughter 
too ripe for glory to be long continued here ; 
and she wished to be submissively prepared for 
that dispensation of Divine Providence, which 
she thought would shoirtly remove " the joy of 
her heart, and desire of her eyes." That night 
Caroline enjoyed considerable quietude, but 
very little sleep. 

September 15th. On the morning of this 
day she appeared, for some hours, much as she 
had been the day before. A friend hearing she 
was getting well, sent her twelve varieties of 
choice flowers. She appeared unusually de- 
lighted, as soon as she saw them. She requested 
her mother to spread them out before her on 
the bed, and then to present them, one by one, 
to her view, which was done accordingly. There 
I was one which was conspicuous for its size and 
colour, which she requested to be handed to 
. her first. On taking it in her hand, she called 
; all her friends then present, to view its beauties. 
Her admiration of that flower excited the won- 
der of her friends ; for it did not strike them, 



112 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

at the moment, as being equal to the others in 
beauty, nor was it thought to accord with her 
general taste, as the flower in question was of a 
crimson hue. Her mother remarking this to 
her she replied, " O mother ! then you do not 
see what I see, for it reflects beauty on all the 
rest. That rich crimson colour reminds me of 
the precious blood of Christ — its size, transpa- 
rency, and fulness, remind me of the love, 
purity, and all-sufficiency of my blessed Re- 
deemer. Examine its petals; view the vast 
number of veins in each ! how expressive of the 
channels of divine grace! What entire perfec- 
tion is impressed on every leaf!'' Her mother 
fearing she would exhaust herself, proposed to 
take the whole of the flowers and put them in 
water. Caroline sweetly asked permission to 
examine the others also, which was granted. 
She then commented with great eloquence 
on each one, and concluded by repeating, 
" Solomon, in all his glory y was not arrayed 
like one of these ." The flowers were then 
gathered up to be removed, but she desired 
they might be put in a flower-pot, and placed 
where she could view them. After the removal 
of the flowers, it was observed that she had 
retained the bud of- a small white cluster-rose, 
which she held in her fingers. After a silence, 
which lasted for some considerable time, Caro- 






MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 113 

line at length said, " mother, look at this," 
holding up the rose-bud. She paused, as if she 
wished her mother to say something. Mrs. 
Smelt replied, " my daughter, I suppose you 
discover some similarity between that bud and 
yourself. Caroline smiled. Mrs. Smelt ob- 
served, that the rose-bud was an emblem of 
youth and innocence. Caroline again smiled, 
and said, " no, my mother, your thoughts and 
mine have not been the same this time, though 
we very generally think alike. But this little 
bud is emblematical of the grace that is now in 
my soul " — she then exclaimed, " to bloom, to 
expand in the garden of heaven! ' In a short 
time afterwards, her mother discovered that 
Caroline was not so well as she had been, in 
which opinion their friends did not agree with 
her. In the evening the fever increased, and 
her rest that night was not so good as for some 
nights immediately before. 

September 16th. On the morning of this 
day her fever was somewhat abated, but she 
was evidently weaker ; yet perfect! v tranquil 
and heavenh minded. A pious friend called to 
see ber in the forenoon of this day. She imme- 
diately began to tell her what the Lord had 
done for her soul — expressed great concern for 
the state of the church in Augusta — spoke with 
great feeling of the awful declension in religion 

H 



114 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE 0¥ 

— prayed that God would visit her native city 
with an outpouring of his Spirit— that he would 
stir up the church-members to greater zeal in 
the cause of Zion, and entreated that all who 
named the name of Christ, might be less con- 
formed to the fashion of this world, and more 
conformed to the simplicity of the Gospel — 
that they might be made to frown on sinful 
amusements and all extravagant follies — and to 
exhibit, on all occasions, an example worthy 
of imitation, and expressive of the hope that is 
in them. She continued by addressing all that 
were present in substance as follows : " I feel 
as if the Lord would visit Augusta with the 
most distinguished blessings, if Christians would 
only discharge their duty. He waits to be gra- 
cious to you. But, my dear friends, you must 
be more united, you must be more like our 
blessed Saviour. Let me intreat you (be not 
offended with me because I am a child in years, 
compared with you) hear me, for I am deeply 
interested for your souls 7 best interests — yes, 
allavv me to entreat you to meet often in social 
prayer to God that he may send you a faithful 
pastor — one of his own dear sons, to minister 
in holy things to you. Pray frequently and 
fervently for a revival of religion, and God 
will hear you a.nd give an answer in peace. 
Abound in good works — exercise holy faith in 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 115 

the Son of God, and he will bless you. You 
that are professors are all bound by a solemn 
vow to serve the Lord ; and you must do it with 
devotedness of heart. He requires this of you, 
and to him you will have to render an account. 
Therefore, oh professed followers of Jesus ! be 
zealous in his cause.'' 

After the friends had retired, her mother ex- 
pressed a fear that she had been rather too 
vehement — that the friends to whom she had 
been speaking were very pious persons, and 
might think the exhortation unnecessary — or 
might suppose that she conceived them to be 
lukewarm Christians. To this Caroline replied, 
" O no! mother, I feel no fear that I went one 
step too far. My Saviour will not let me exceed 
proper bounds when I am engaged in his service. 
Now, mother, will you excuse me if 1 tell you 
one thing ? I wish to do it with great filial 
deference, and would not wish to wound your 
feelings in a single instance/' Her mother then 
requested her to speak. She then said in a most 
impressive manner, " Mother, your faith is too 
weak. You must gird up the loins of your 
mind, and never be afraid of offending your 
friends by telling them the truib, if you can, by 
that means, advance or extend the Redeemer's 
kingdom. I used to admire your forbearance ; 
but now I would rather see you come out boldly, 



116 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

and cast off all unprofitable fear." Her mother 
approved the sentiment, and thanked her for 
the advice ; after which she said to her, " Mv 
daughter, you feel now as if you could perform 
every duty with ease ; but if you recover, you 
will find it no easy task. If you again mix with 
the world, you will have to encounter many 
temptations — the flesh is weak — Satan is a sub- 
tle enemy, and often tempts us to be ashamed 
of what we know to be our duty." Caroline 
then with gentle earnestness exclaimed, " O 
mother, do not tell me so !" then raising her eyes 
and hands, she said, " O blessed Saviour! let 
tne die any death— let me die this moment, 
rather than that I should live to be ashamed to 
advance thy cause. No, my dear mother, there 
is no fear of those who devote themselves entirely 
to the service of God. He has promised (and 
the Lord is not a deceiver) that he will sustain 
his children, that none shall be able to pluck 
them out of his hands. If God be for us, who 
shall prevail against us ? No ; it is want of 
faith in his word, that makes so many weak 
Christians. The world has too much to do with 
us, when we find duty difficult and heavy. If 
we live near to our Heavenly Father, he will be 
near to us ; and he will make the performance 
of every duty pleasant, for he has said his yoke 
is easy and his burden light." 



MISS CAKQLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 117 

Towards evening she bad more fever, and 
little or no sleep that night. She evidently 
endured considerable pain; but no complaint 
escaped from her lips. 

September l?th. About nine o'clock of this 
day, a most violent chili came on, which was 
succeeded by a higher fever than she had ever 
had before. Her sufferings were great, but not 
a murmur was she heard to utter. In the 
course of the day, a number of blisters were 
applied. She observed that she felt a new sen- 
sation in her head, different from any she had 
ever felt before, and, with great composure, 
requested that her hair might be removed. She 
desired her mother to go and consult her father 
on the subject. This was done ; on which Dr. 
Smelt exclaimed, with considerable agitation, 
" not her hair! not that beautiful hair. Go 
and tell her that I cannot consent to the loss 
of it, unless it should be absolutely necessary. 
Ask the physicians to come to me." Two of 
the gentlemen went to him; and afterwards 
returned to Caroline, and stated exactly to 
her, what her father had said. She smiled, and 
said, " I did not know before, that my dear 
father attached so much importance to my hair. 
Will you please to tell him that I feel an unusual 
degree of heat about my fceiad, and a very 
strange sensation in it, that I do not like — I 

H 3 



11B MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OP 

think that it may, in some measure, arise from 
the great profusion of my hair, and might 
possibly be relieved by its removal. Tell him 
I am desirous to preserve my mental powers to 
the last, that I may speak my Maker's praises 
in a sane mind, with my latest breath.* Tell 
him that, if I recover, the same power that has 
clothed my head so abundantly, can, and will 
do it again, should it be necessary/' This 
message was delivered by Mrs. Smelt to her 
husband, who directed her to assure his daugh- 
ter that neither of the physicians considered 
this measure requisite ; and unless she insisted 
on its being done, he could not consent to it, 
but hoped she would recover, without resorting 
to this unpleasant remedy. When Caroline 
received this information, she placidly smiled, 
and said, " my dear father shall be indulged in 
his tenderness. God is all-sufficient, and in 
him is my confidence. Though I think it 
proper to use the means which he affords us, 
still they will be unavailing unless he choose to 
give them efficacy. He can cause a drop of 
cold water to do me more good, my medical 
friends, than all the drugs you give me." She 
had a very sick night, but was thought better 
towards morning. 

September 18th. During this day great 
languor came on her whole system, and more 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 119 

blisters were applied. Nevertheless her fever 
increased, but no chill was felt by her. Mrs. 
Smelt observed to her, " my beloved child, 
your sufferings are very great." She replied 
with a sweet smile, " not greater, my mother, 
than I can bear. Although I feel, and feel 
sensibly, the chastening rod, still I am enabled, 
through divine grace, not only to bear it with 
calmness, but to kiss the rod with holy grati- 
tude, and bless the hand which inflicts the 
stripes. Before I was afflicted I went astray. 
My heart was as hard as the rock in the wilder- 
ness which Moses smote, and it became neces- 
sary that it should feel the rod ; and God, who 
doeth all things well, smote it, and hath caused 
it to overflow with living waters. What if this 
frail body should have to suffer a little while ? 
Did not the blessed Saviour suffer much more 1 
Yes, more than human language can express, 
to redeem me from endless woe? I suffer de- 
servedly, but he gave himself a willing sacrifice 
for sin." Her mother then said to her, " my 
dear child, your meekness and pious submission 
to the will of God, endear you tenfold to my 
heart." To this Caroline replied, " my blessed 
mother, it is only another instance, among 
many, of the goodness of God to us both. 
Such an example of suffering patience is held 



120 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

up to my view in the person of Christ Jesus, as 
dissolves my heart. He gave his precious life 
to ransom my soul, and ought I to complain of 
my light afflictions, which are but for a moment, 
and will be followed by a far more exceeding 
and eternal weight of glory? My gracious 
Lord will not inflict one unnecessary pain. He 
will enable me to sustain, to the very last, every 
affliction or trial which is necessary to the health 
of my immortal soul. ' Then pointing with her 
finger to the Bible, she continued, " what ha» 
he said in Isaiah, xli. 1, 2, 3? ' But now 
thus saith the Lord that created thee, Jacob, 
(O Caroline,) and he that formed thee O Israel, 
(O Caroline,) fear not ; for I have redeemed 
thee ; I have called thee by thy name; thou art 
mine. When thou passest through the waters, I 
will be with thee, and through the rivers, they 
shall not overflow thee ; when thou walkest 
through the fire, thou shall not be burnt, neither 
shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am 
the Lord thy God, the holy One of Israel, thy 
Saviour.' These promises fill .ray heart with 
divine joy. I have the most perfect confidence 
in them, and feel not the smallest doubt of their 
fulfilment in my behalf. O Heavenly Parent ! 
thy tender mercies towards me are not to be 
numbered, nor can they be conceived." She 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. i21 

continued very ill throughout the whole of that 
day. Cataplasms were again applied to the 
soles of her feet. 

September 19th. This morning she appeared 
rather better until the chill returned. When 
she felt the first symptoms of it, she observed 
to her mother that she was well pleased. Mrs. 
Smelt was much alarmed, because she appre- 
hended that her daughter had not strength 
sufficient to enable her to Ike through it, but 
Caroline endeavoured to comfort her. * 

Within a short time afterwards, symptoms 
accompanying the fever pointed to the necessity 
of blistering her head. When her hair was 
removed, she expressed great satisfaction. She 
observed, that many persons might suppose she 
would feel some mortification at the loss of her 
hair, but that she felt none. " I wish/' said 
she, "my dear father may feel as composed as 
1 do." She then desired a friend to hold it up 
to her view. She said, as she looked on it, " I 
did not think there was such a quantity." (It 
was more than a yard long, of a dark, glossy, 
brown, colour, and very thick.) " Well, it will 
never again fatigue my poor arms to comb, 
curl, and dispose of it fancifully. Had I kept 
it, I should never, I hope, have spent so much 
precious time in that way again ; but it is all 
over now. Put it away ; my parents will wish 



122 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

to see it." She soon afterwards fell asleep, and 
did not awake till near bed-time. She then 
expressed her regret that she had slept so long, 
but was too feeble to speak much. She ap- 
peared very composed through the remaining' 
part of the night. 

September 20ih. This morning she appeared 
to revive a little. She desired her mother to 
read a portion of Gods word to her. After 
reading sundry passages, at length the following 
was read in her hearing, viz. Isaiah x. 22 — 
'* The consumption decreed shall overflow with 
righteousness." No sooner were these words 
repeated than she laid her finger on her mo- 
ther's hand, giving her a look full of expression, 
and said, " mother, do you understand that]' 7 
repeating the words with great emphasis, " will 
you go and read them to my father, and bring 
me word what he says ?" Mrs. Smelt went; but 
found him asleep, with a fever on him. She 
did not awake him, but returned and told her 
his situation. Caroline then requested her not 
to forget to do it when he should awake. " Do 
not be uneasy, my dear mother; the Lord will 
not, 1 think, remove my father at this time; his 
sickness is not unto death." 

Her mother then said to her, " my beloved 
Caroline, you are very ill ; how are your feelings 
to-day ? is your faith as strong in the Lord 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 123 

Jesus as ever? are you as willing to depart, and 
are your views of divine mercy as great, as 
clear as they have been 1 She replied, with a 
countenance beaming with divine love, "just 
the same, just the same. My Heavenly Father 
has never left me; and whether I live or die, it 
will be to the glory of God." She said much 
more, which cannot be accurately recollected ; 
but every sentiment which she expressed breath- 
ed the strongest confidence, and sweetest resig- 
nation to the will of God. 

It was soon discovered that her speech began 
to fail. Her mother took leave of her with 
forced composure. She shortly afterwards fell 
asleep, and never spoke again. She continued 
in this state for several hours ; after which, on 
Sabbath evening, the 21st September, her happy 
spirit was released from " the earthly house of 
its tabernacle," and took its flight to the arms of 
Jesus. Not a single struggle — not the smallest dis- 
tortion of features, nor even the movement of a 
single limb, appeared in her last moments. She 
was gone some seconds before the many kind 
friends who surrounded her dying couch had 
ascertained that her spirit had indeed departed. 

It is deemed worthy of remark, that she told 
many of her friends before her departure, that 
she had prayed that her end might be just as in 
the event it proved to be. She observed to 



124 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

them, that she " knew her dear parents would 
feel much distressed to see her die in hard 
struggles; or even to know that it was the 
case, if they did not witness it ; and she knew 
that her Heavenly Father would grant her peti- 
tion, and temper the providence, as much as 
was right to their feelings." This was realized 
in a most remarkable degree. Her father, 
during the remission of his fever, was enabled 
to visit her chamber, in company with her 
mother, during the time of her sleep, which 
immediately preceded her decease. They saw 
that it was the sleep of death ; for to their 
repeated calls she made no answer. Once, and 
only once, when standing by her bed-side, they 
united their voices in calling " Caroline, oh 
Caroline ! our beloved daughter, shall we never 
more hear the sound of your harmonious voice? 
it is your father and mother that thus call you;*' 
she made an effort to open her eyes, and to 
move her lips to speak, but could not. How- 
ever, she was enabled to smile. She lay like 
one reposing in health, perfectly calm. They 
impressed a kiss of affection on her lips, re- 
peating, ".It is your father — it is your mother." 
She made no signal of sensibility, except another 
smile. Mrs. Smelt repeated her visits again and 
again to her before she departed. She viewed 
her dying daughter with a solemn pleasure, and 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 125 

found herself frequently breathing " O may my 
last end be like hers !" The fervent prayers of 
two friends, who called in a little before she 
fell asleep in Jesus, contributed much to her 
comfort. She felt indeed that the cup which 
she had to drink was bitter ; but she was 
enabled to say, with submission, " not my will, 
but thine, O God, be done." 

After the first necessary offices were per- 
formed to the dead body of Caroline, her pa- 
rents desired much to see her, but apprehended 
a shock to their feelings from the view of her 
lifeless corpse — to see the object of their earthly 
hopes and fond affections, an inanimate lump 
of clay. But, looking to him who had so won- 
derfully tempered the bereavement, they went 
forward to the chamber of death. They were 
both supported, to the wonder of their friends. 
They both, for some time, regarded the dead 
body with calm composure, and thought them- 
selves honoured parents. Mrs. Smelt felt hum- 
bled under the mighty power of God ; but felt 
a pleasure also in recollecting, that she had 
been the honoured (though unworthy) instru- 
ment of rearing a virgin-saint, matured by sove- 
reign grace for the kingdom of heaven. At 
length the feelings of the mourning father 
became too strong to endure concealment or 
restraint. As he stood bending over the dead 



126 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

body of his only child, he thus addressed his 
bereaved partner : " She is gone. It is death ! 
but oh ! I never saw it in so heavenly a form 
before. It is death ! but he has made no 
ravages upon that face. She is changed a 
little; but more beautiful than ever. What 
serene majesty of countenance ! and what hea- 
venly calmness! her sufferings are over — we 
are bereaved of our only child, but she is 
happy, and God be praised. I am too feeble 
to remain longer now:" he kissed her, and said, 
" I will see you again, my child, before you 
leave us for ever. I will, with God's permission, 
see you again after you are laid in your coffin — 
it will compose me ; for you were graceful and 
majestic in life, and you are majestic and beau- 
tiful in death." Me then retired to his own 
apartment. On the following day her earthly 
remains were attended to the place of inter- 
ment L as large a number of her afflicted and 
sympathizing friends as the distressing situation 
of their families at that time would admit. At 
the grave the 31st hymn of Dr. Watts's 2d 
book, which she had often repeated during her 
illness, was sung, after which the mqurning 
friends retired to reflect on the solemnities of 
that scene, which had engaged their attention 
for such a length of time. 

It is a source of regret t6 the friends of tlrs 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 127 

deceased Caroline, that many incidents which 
occurred, and many of the conversations which 
she held, during her illness, cannot be accu- 
rately recollected, so as to warrant an insertion 
here. There were two interviews between her- 
self and her parents, an account of which has 
not been given in its proper place, because the 
particular dates are not known with certainty; 
yet, as the circumstances are distinctly remem- 
bered, it has been thought proper to subjoin 
some notice of them here. 

The first was with her father, and was as 
follows: Not long before her death, he was 
enabled, one day, during the recess of his fever, 
to visit her. Her mother had told him that 
their daughter was worse ; but the attending 
physicians endeavoured to conceal from him 
her real situation, and he considered Mrs. Smelt 
as unnecessarily alarmed. He had not seen her 
for several davs, and determined to venture into 
her room. Being feeble, he reclined on her 
bed. She was delighted to see him, raised her 
arm over his neck, embraced him affectionatelv, 
and inquired after his health. Her manner was 
so natural, and her countenance so lovely, that, 
before he felt her pulse, he exclaimed, " you are 
a great deal better, Caroline, I am sure there 
can be no fever, no pain, nor danger, where 
there is such a countenance, such perfect pl&- 



128 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

cidity." She replied, " O my dear father, my 
mother is right; I am not as well as I have been 
—indeed 1 am in great pain, but I am enabled 
to bear it with composure." He then felt her 
pulse. " You see," said she, " that mother was 
not wrong. Father, I know that you have many 
sterling virtues, and }ou have been an excellent 
parent to me. As you profess to be a true 
believer in revealed religion, let me intreat you 
earnestly to seek for that faith which is only 
the gift of God. It must come from above, 
and O ! pray ardently and frequently for this 
gift — the baptism, the anointing of the Holy 
Ghost, that precious Comforter promised by 
the Saviour to all who ask him. O my father ! 
I have received it ; 1 feel it in my soul : I want 
you to feel it, for it will prepare you to meet 
me in heaven/' Her father expressed his appro- 
bation of her sentiments and wishes, and ob- 
served, M my dear Caroline, you have indeed 
more fever than J at first thought, but you must 
not talk so much about death. Only think you 
are to recover, and I hope you will." He 
exclaimed, " there must be hope where there 
is such a countenance, such patience, such 
serenity. O my beloved child ! can you be in 
pain, and at the same time smile so sweetly V 
She replied triumphantly, " yes, my dear father, 
faith, evangelical faith can enable us to smile 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 129 

upon death. My Saviour suffered pain, and 
can I expect to escape? O no, I would not if 
I could. I feel perfectly submissive to the will 
of divine wisdom. O ! may you, my father, 
feel so too." After he retired, she said, " my 
poor father is sensibly affected : he does not 
wish to part with his Caroline. I hope God 
will bless him with divine grace, and he will see 
me where parting shall be felt no more. I love 
him more than ever, for he has qualities which, 
if properly tempered, would make him a most 
valuable Christian. O! he has ever been a 
tender parent to me. He never corrected or 
spoke harshly to me in his life. He has told 
me of faults, but always did it with more soft- 
ness than I deserved. " At no great distance 
of time from the preceding interview with her 
father, she held the following conversation with 
her mother. 

She said, " mother, I wish you to deliver a 
message from me to my beloved sister-cousin, 
Cornelia Walker, (who was then absent on a 
visit to her friends in New- York.) 1 wish you 
to tell her of all that the Lord has done for me. 
Tell her that 1 desire her never again to par- 
ticipate in sinful amusements. She loves me, 
and will, I hope, value what I say. Tell her I 
requested <*i my death-bed, that she might 
never enter a theatre, a ball-room, or attend 

I 



130 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

another fashionable tea party, as they are called. 
They are all of the same family, let who will say 
otherwise. If one of them be sinful, they are 
all so; and on that subject I have no doubt. 
I am also of opinion that the last mentioned are 
more so, if possible, than either of the others. 
Tea-parties, as generally attended, lead to more 
extravagance and party-spirit, more vanity, more 
ambition, than the others. I have some know- 
ledge of all: I have been at many lea- parties, 
and I know I have never seen more folly any 
where. The great amusement consists in a 
display of luxurious delicacies, which are con- 
tinually carried round by poor slaves, that bend 
under their weight, and which only vitiate the 
stomach, and unfit it for wholesome food. More 
ostentation, or greater excess of vanity is never 
seen at plays or balls. Sometimes a few tunes 
are played on a piano, the sound of which is 
completely lost, by the loud conversation of 
many persons speaking at the same time, so as 
to resemble the confusion of Babel. I have sat 
for hours and not heard one serious observation, 
one rational idea. On the contrary, I have 
heard nothing but loud peals of laughter, or 
light, frivoldus chit-chat — perfect levity — - 
nothing else. I generally attended with reluc- 
tance ; and nothing but a desire ta conform to 
the customs of the society in which I moved, 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 131 

ever induced me to go. Silly excuse ! for my 
better judgment told me better things. But I 
often, at first, used to be amused ; yet always, 
at a particular hour, there would come a knock 
at my heart, saying, * come out, why will you 
stay hereV I have gone to cousin and intreated 
her to go home with me. She would say, *0 
cousin Caroline, I have just commenced the 
enjoyment of the evening, and cannot go at 
this time.' (She will be able to tell you the 
very words.) I am sorry that so many of our 
serious people countenance these things, and 
declaim against the others. There is a strange 
inconsistency in this, which gives the world 
great reason to say what they do — that such 
professors strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. 
Mother, you will never, I hope, give them your 
countenance again, for you must know that 
they are pernicious to a growth in grace." To 
this her mother replied, that she never would. 
Caroline then embraced her, and said, " I thank 
God for that. I hope ray dear cousin will 
make the same promise. I do not wish you to 
give up society — O no — for religion is a social 
thing. I wish you and her to keep up a rational 
intercourse with all our dear friends, but let it 
be done with gospel simplicity. My dear uncle 
W. will, perhaps, think I Ijave made an unrea- 
sonable demand on my cousin, in requesting her 



132 MEMOIIIS OF THE LIFE OF 

to give up dancing; but he loves me, and, if 
she is willing, he will not oppose her. Tell her, 
that on a death-bed she will be amply rewarded 
for all the self-denial she puts in practice now. 

mother ! tell her to seek an interest in Christ 
while she is in the bloom of life. Her health is 
delicate, and I have often grieved in reflecting, 
that I might see her descending into an early 
tomb. But I have been spared this trial; she 
will now grieve for me. But, O! she must not 
grieve as those who have no hope. She must 
strive to follow me, and if we meet again, it will 
be toxpart no more. I hope my early call will 
speak to her heart; and indeed I pray that it 
may speak to the hearts of all my young friends. 

1 had as pleasing prospects of long life as any 
of them, never having been seriously sick, and 
now in my seventeenth year. O mother ! how 
portentous has your presentiment been, that 
you would have to part with me, at a very 
interesting age — -just as if the Lord had been 
striving, for years, to prepare and fortify your 
mind to endure an event which he knew would 
try your very soul. You often told me of this 
presentiment, and is it not strange that it never 
alarmed me? I used to feel solemn, but it never 
depressed my spirits, or produced melancholy. 
How mercifully have all things been conducted 
in our behalf! I view your indulgence, in 



MISS CAKOLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 133 

allowing me to participate partially in worldly 
amusements, as intended to show me that there 
was no solid pleasure in them. Had I never 
known what they were, I might have attached 
great innocence to them ; but now I am enabled 
to declare that they are exceedingly sinful. Let 
all those who participate in those feasts of 
unrighteousness, and know that they are con- 
trary to the word of God, beware lest heavy 
judgments come upon them. Dear Dr. Thomp- 
son was much censured for the severity with 
which he condemned them. I was one, though 
then a child, who thought he carried his preju- 
dices too far ; but I now think he was right as 
to the principle, though his manner might have 
been milder. It ill becomes those who name 
the name of Jesus, and who have made a solemu 
covenant to be his, to mix with the world, and 
join in extravagant, volatile, and trifling plea- 
sures. We are told that we cannot serve God 
and mammon; and this is true. They will find 
it so when they come to die. O ! what a 
different example ought Christians to set before 
the world. I have wondered to hear the excuses 
which some professors make for folly. They 
say that we are social beings — that we require 
relaxation — that God is more merciful than, 
man — that while we are in the world we must 
mix with it — we must have society — that reli- 



134 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF 

gion was never designed to make us melancholy, 
but cheerful, &c. My strength is too feeble to 
state all; but, admitting these excuses to be 
true, they only pervert the whole. The Lord 
abundantly provides for all his dear children, 
and never requires more of them than they can 
perform ; and he commands us not to be con- 
formed to this world — to be holy as he is holy. 
What has the great Apostle said? * Be ye 
therefore followers of God as dear children ; 
put on the whole armour of God. As ye have, 
therefore, received Christ Jesus the Lord, so 
walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and 
established in the faith, as ye have been taught, 
abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware, 
last any man spoil you through philosophy and 
vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the 
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ ; 
for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the God- 
head bodily. Praying always, with all prayer 
and supplication in the spirit, fyc. For many 
walk, of whom I have told you often, and now 
tell you weeping, that they are the enemies of 
the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, 
whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly 
things. 7 I am not unhappy about my cousin ; 
but I feel anxious that she should know these 
things, and lay them to heart speedily. She is 
almost a year older than I am, and, by this 



MISS CAROLINE ELIZABETH SMELT. 135 

time, has seen enough of the world to know 
that all its joys are transitory and unsatisfying. 
To a bed of death she will have to come, and 
after that the judgment. Tell her, that if she 
embrace the gospel of Christ in all its purity, 
she will have nothing to fear. No : it is sweet 
to die ; death is a pleasant friend — the gate to 
heaven. 1 long to meet death ; but still I am 
willing to wait until I shall have finished the 
work appointed for me to do. Tell her I loved 
her much ; we were brought up as twin sisters ; 
we lived in delightful harmony together. O ! 
that all children could love one another as we 
did ; and it is natural that I should feel more 
for her than for my other cousins. But the 
same message I leave to all, for I love all." She 
then left particular messages to her dear uncles, 
aunts, and friends that were absent ; which 
were afterwards faithfully delivered, verbally, or 
by letter . 

Thus lived, and thus died Caroline Elizabeth 
Smelt. By the exercise of the numerous 
amiable qualities which she possessed, she had 
endeared herself to an extensive circle of friends 
of all ages, sexes, and ranks in life. It is assert- 
ed, that she was never seen to be in a passion, 
although her disposition has been visibly tried. 
She was affectionate, meek, dutiful, and modest. 
She has been seen to be displeased, and to suffer 



136 MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE, &C. 

momentary mortification ; but never allowed 
herself to utter an indelicate, harsh, or hasty 
expression. She possessed great independence 
of principle, and would support her opinions 
with great firmness and propriety ; but, if con- 
vinced of error, would never hesitate to retract 
and acknowledge it. To servants she was par- 
ticularly mild ; and as she made her requests to 
those of her father's household with the utmost 
softness, they always served her with the greatest 
alacrity. When they did so, she would often 
thank them as politely as if she had had no 
claim to their obedience. When they disobliged 
her, she was always ready to frame and offer an 
apology for them. She would say, " perhaps it 
proceeds from forgetfulness. — I know I am too 
thoughtless myself, and omit many important 
duties; and why should I condemn, in those 
poor, ignorant beings, faults that are less than 
my own." 

In a word, reverence towards God — filial sub- 
mission and respect towards her parents — affa- 
bility and benevolence towards all with whom 
she was acquainted, seem to have been united 
in her temper and practice through life, and 
" in her death they were not divided" 



CONCLUSION. 



The preceding pages contain a brief sketch 
of the leading incidents, in the life of this 
interesting young female; at least, of such as 
have come to the knowledge of the compiler. 
From a review of the whole, he cannot feel 
himself at liberty to conclude, without offering 
a few reflections, which appear naturally to 
arise from an attentive consideration of what 
has gone before. We may hence observe the 
inestimable advantage which may, and often 
does arise from early instruction in the doc- 
trines and duties of the Christian religion. The 
minds of children cannot be too earlv imbued 
with a knowledge of the rudiments of true 
piety. Such is the natural activity of the 
human mind, that if it be not pre- occupied by 
good principles, early inculcated, the enemy of 
all good will soon, by some means or other, 
sow his tares. It is an observation not more 
trite than true, that " early impressions are 
always most permanent." This being admitted, 
how careful ought parents to be, in watching 
the first opening of intellect in their children, 
and in communicating to them such easy in- 



138 CONCLUSION. 

struetions, as they are able to comprehend — to 
teach them that there is a great and glorious 
Being, who made them and all things which 
they see — and who supports all — who loves 
those that do their duty, and will reward them, 
and make them happy — and also that he hates 
every thing sinful, and will most certainly 
punish it sooner or later. How culpably remiss 
are those parents who neglect, and use no 
efforts to instil the knowledge of any religious 
principles into the minds of their children ; but 
leave them to be seduced by their own erring 
fancies and passions, or by the insinuating sug- 
gestions and example of vicious companions, 
who may wish to see others as bad as them- 
selves. It appears that Caroline Smelt was 
early taught to know the difference between sin 
and duty. This she declared on her death-bed. 
For this she acknowledged her grateful obliga- 
tions to her Maker and her mother. To this, 
no doubt, as the instrumental cause, may be 
ascribed much of the correctness of her senti- 
ments and general practice, through each suc- 
ceeding period of her life. And as the care of 
children, during their tender years, is more 
immediately intrusted to the mother than to 
the father, it would seem to be her duty, (as it 
should be her delight,) to be first in " teaching 
the young idea how to shoot, and in pouring 



CONCLUSION. 139 

the fresh instruction o'er the mind." Mothers 
have opportunities, both more frequent and 
more favourable for doing this. More frequent ; 
because children (particularly daughters) are 
almost always in the company of their mothers, 
or near their persons, during a number of the 
first years of their life : and more favourable ; 
as from the greater frequency of kindnesses 
rendered by the mother to her infant children, 
the latter generally love and confide more in 
her, than in their father, or any other person. 
Of course, her instructions will be more kindly 
received, and more readily obeyed. 

We may here also remark, the necessity that 
a pious example shquld accompany religious 
instructions ; and the happy influence which 
such a combination is calculated to produce on 
the minds of children. When parents teach 
their children the most salutary doctrines and 
duties, and at the same time, by their own 
habitual temper and practice, show an utter 
neglect or disregard of the sentiments incul- 
cated, the children will soon be led to question 
the truth and importance of such instructions ; 
and most probably neglect them as much as 
they see their parents do. But where children 
see their parents endeavouring to walk habitu- 
ally in conformity to the same rules which they 
enjoin upon them, their belief of the instruc- 



140 CONCLUSION. 

tions is confirmed, and the example of the 
parents is imitated, and produces the happiest 
effects. Caroline Smelt was early taught her 
prayers : this was right ; and it is doubtless a 
duty jncumbent on all parents to teach their 
children that form of prayer which Christ 
taught his disciples, (see Matt. vi. 9 — 13) but 
many children learn this, and other useful forms 
of prayer in their early years, who afterwards 
neglect devotion very much, if not altogether. 
One great cause of this may often be, that they 
see the very parents who taught them to pray, 
living in the entire neglect of prayer themselves. 
When Caroline was led in her childhood by her 
mother, to a throne of grace in private prayer 
— when she saw this mother, who loved her, 
and whom she loved^ wrestling with God for 
a blessing on them both, as well as all others 
within mercy's reach ; this example served not 
only to habituate her to the sacred employment, 
but to impress her tender mind with a convic- 
tion, that there is a reality in religion. This 
conviction would not, probably, have been so 
readily derived from any other source; and, no 
doubt, the serious impressions and early reve- 
rence for religion which she acquired and che- 
rished through life, may be safely attributed, in 
a great degree, to this circumstance, as the 
instrumental cause. Parents, then, may derive 



CONCLUSION. 141 

encouragement from this, to lead their children 
early to the altar of God, and show them by 
their own example, the way to a mercy-seat; 
not only by praying with them, jointly, in daily 
family devotion, but by retiring with them occa- 
sionally, one by one, in secret. 

Again, this narrative may encourage parents 
to pray for their children, and bear them on 
their supplicating hearts and tongues when they 
" enter into their closets, and shut the door, to 
pray to their Father who seeth in secret. 11 In 
this duty they have the example of Abraham, 
who " was called the friend of God." With 
what fervent importunity did he entreat, (Gen. 
xvii. 18.) " O let Ishmael live before thee T To 
pray jfer their children, as well as with them, is 
certainly a duty incumbent on all parents ; and 
it is a duty enjoined upon them when they 
dedicate their little ones to God, in the ordi- 
nance of baptism. This was the case when 
Caroline received the external seal of the gra- 
cious covenant, by the application of the sacra- 
mental water. It was not forgotten by her 
mother, nor does she yet forget, that when this 
ordinance of Christ was administered to her 
infant daughter, she solemnly promised to 
" pray with and for her." From these memoirs 
it appears that she was not unmindful of this 
solemn obligation, which she then voluntarily 



142 CONCLUSION. 

incurred; and it is equally evident that she 
received a satisfactory answer to her frequent 
intercessions in behalf of this child. Let other 
parents go and do likewise. Let them hence 
take encouragement to <l 0e steadfast, immoveable, 
always abounding in the work of the Lord. Let 
them not be weary in well-doing ; for they shall 
reap in due time, if they faint not." And even 
should pious parents not live to see their prayers 
for their children answered in the most desirable 
extent, God can fulfil and auswej their expecta- 
tions, after they shall have rested from their 
labours, and gone to sleep with their fathers. 

" The seed, though buried long in dust, 

Shall not deceive their hope; 
The precious grain shall ne'er be lost, 

For grace ensures the cr [;." 

Dr. Watts' s 126th Psalm. 

We may here farther observe, the happy in- 
fluence and effects of filial duty. How much 
more happy was Caroline Smelt, than as if she 
had been forward and undutiful to her parents. 
From her earliest years, she appears to have 
loved and obeyed them. In return, they loved 
her, and delighted in her happiness ; and she 
appears to have been esteemed and beloved by 
all who knew her. 

But it may be said, " she was an only child, 
and an heiress, which procured her that atten- 



CONCLUSION* 143 

tion and respect, which otherwise she would 
not have received." True, she was an only 
child, and was well educated, in easy circum- 
stances, and with flattering prospects ; yet had 
she been disobedient and undutiful to her pa- 
rents, or haughty and contemptuous towards 
others, she could never have secured or enjoyed 
the esteem of her acquaintance. No relative 
obligations can be so strong in this life, as those 
by which children are bound to their parents ; 
and filial duty is more certainly rewarded in 
this world, than duty of any other kind. 
" Children obey your parents in the Lord, for 
this is right. Honour thy father and mother, 
(which is the first commandment with promise,) 
that it may be well with ikee" Children who 
are dutiful to their parents, enjoy the approba- 
tion of God, and of all who v ttness or know 
this part of their conduct. On the other hand, 
such children as treat their parents with disobe- 
dience and disrespect, are commonly punished, 
in some way or other, by the frowns of Divine 
Providence in this life, as well as by the dis- 
approbation and inward contempt of all who 
know them, both good and bad. The} that 
disregard their parents, or treat them with dis- 
respect, are guilty of the grossest ingratitude to 
their best earthly benefactors, who befriended 
them in that helpless period when they were 



144 CONCLUSION. 

unable to protect themselves, or relieve their 
own wants. A consciousness of guilt, in this 
respect, must trouble their repose upon a dying 
bed, and accompany them, as a miserable in- 
mate, into the world of spirits. 

We may here, also, discover the great advan- 
tages arising from an early acquaintance with 
the Holy Scriptures. It appears that Caroline 
was acquainted with them from a child. There- 
fore, when she was seized by sickness, and laid 
upon a dying bed, she had not to begin to learn 
the essential doctrines of that religion, whose 
supports and consolations she then so greatly 
needed, and so largely experienced.^ No; she 
had long before learned and felt that she was a 
sinner, and needed a Saviour. She also knew 
where the words of eternal life were contained, 
and where life and immortality were brought to 
light — in the gospel. She knew whither to 
repair, and to whom to apply for relief. Her 
mind was not distracted with that wild despair, 
which is often, in such a case, the awful effect 
of ignorance, combined with a conscious sense 
of guilt. No: she knew the way to the wells 
of salvation; and was enabled thence (from the 
promfses of the gospel) to draw living water. 
She then found the advantages arising from a 
previous perusal of the word of God. The 
ready and frequent use which she made of 



i 



CONCLUSION. 145 

scriptural language, in her prayers, praises, and 
admonitory addresses, during the last sixteen 
days of her life, plainly proved that she had 
long before made the word of God " the man of 
her counsel." The consolation derived from this 
circumstance, by herself and her friends, should 
induce parents to urge their children to an early 
acquaintance with the revealed will of God ; as 
they kuow not how soon they may need those 
divine directions and [consolations which that 
sacred volume alom* can impart. 

From tbis narrative may also be learned, the 
reality and strength of that confidence, which 
true believers derive, from the Spirit of God 
witnessing with their spirits, that they are born 
again, and savingly interested in God's favour, 
through a Saviour's merits. Though it appears 
thai Caroline had been a long time seeking for 
the comforts of true" religion'; that she had seen 
the unsatisfying nature of worldly amusements, 
and the pernicious effects of conformity to the 
sinful fashions of the world ; and had, for months 
before her last illness, resolved to withdraw heir 
presence, and withhold her countenance, from 
such places and diversions as she was convinced 
were wrong, to which resolution she had ad- 
hered ; yet it appears that she never received a 
satisfactory evidence of her interest in Christ, 
until the fifth day after her last illness com- 
ic 



146 CONCLUSION. 

menced. It is the opinion of a number of her 
serious surviving friends, that she had true 
religion several months before. To what, then, 
was it owing, that she had not experienced the 
comforts which the evidence of this fact always 
confers 1 Besides the sovereign will of God, 
which we are neither able nor allowed to scru- 
tinize, it was, probably, owing to her failing 
to make a public acknowledgment of the divine 
goodness, in what she had before received. 
Though long convinced of the truth of Chris- 
tianity, as well as its excellency, through timi- 
dity, remaining suiful shame and unbelief, she 
had never openly confessed Christ in the discri- 
minating ordinance of the Lord's Supper. She 
had never openly obeyed his dying command, 
" do this in remembrance of me.' 7 She had 
probably overlooked, or misunderstood Paul's 
declaration, (Rom. x. 10.) " that with the heart 
man believeth unto i^ighteousness, but with the 
mouth confession is made unto salvation" She 
was probably unapprized, that while she re- 
fused to make a public avowal of her attach- 
ment to the cause of Christ, the world would 
still consider, and claim her as on their side. 
The evidence of her special and personal inte- 
rest in the Saviour's love, might have possibly 
been withholden, as a testimony of his disap- 
probation of her neglect of a duty so important* 



CONCLUSION. 147 

But now, her end approaching, for purposes 
worthy of the divine wisdom and mercy, she 
obtained grace to help in the time of her greatest 
need. She knew that her Redeemer lived, and 
that, whenever the earthly house of her taber- 
nacle were dissolved, she had a building of God, 
a house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. A new song was put into her mouth. 
She was no longer the timid, tacit Caroline, as 
she had before been called. No; she was 
enabled to bear a most honourable testimony to 
the religion of Jesus. Her " soul did magnify 
the Lord, and her spirit rejoiced in God her 
Saviour." She saw the excellencies of her 
Redeemer; she felt her obligations to him; and 
her supreme desires appear to have been, to 
recommend him to others, and persuade them 
to make a speedy, believing application to him, 
for safety and happiness. Could any thing, 
short of supernatural power, have inspired a 
tender, timid, and delicate young female, with 
such confidence to meet the king of terrors — 
with such an ardent desire, to abandon all the 
flattering prospects, which her age and circum- 
stances presented to her in this world ? Impar- 
tial, unprejudiced reason must answer, no. Her 
conduct, on several occasions in earlier life, 
evinced extreme timidity and excessive sensi- 
bility at the slightest appearance of danger. 



148 CONCLUSION. 

But how can this be reconciled with the cou- 
rage and firmness which she displayed during 
her last sixteen days? In no other way, than 
by ascribing her triumph over death and all its 
terrors, to Him who is both the Author and 
Finisher of faith. 

How widely different the sorrow of surviving 
friends, excited by the death of a true Chris- 
tian, from that arising from the decease of a 
sinner, without any well-grounded hope of 
future happiness ! To see the latter looking, 
with wild anxiety, to every visible source for 
comfort and relief, but finding none, cannot 
fail to. excite both the sympathy and sorrow of 
every spectator of such a scene. Perhaps no 
language can better describe the reluctant ago- 
nies of such a soul, than Dr. Watts has em- 
ployed, in the following lines : 

" Ling'ring about these mortal shores, 
She makes a long delay, 
'Till, like a flood with rapid force, 
Death sweeps the wretch away." 

On the other hand, to see a Christian enter 
the gloomy vale without dismay ; calm and 
collected in that perilous hour, how consoling 
16 all the friends who are left behind ! 'Tis 
neither sinful nor unmanly to mourn the loss 
which we sustain by separation from the society 
<of those we love, Jesus wept at the grave of 



CONCLUSION. 141) 

Lazarus, his friend ; and Peter found the pious 
friends of Dorcas weeping around her dead 
body : but the friends of the believer need not 
sorrow as those who have no hope. No; " for 
them that sleep in Jesus, will God bring with 
him." And when the departing Christian 
evidently possesses " a hope so full of immor- 
tality/' as that evinced by the countenance and 
conversation of the dying Caroline, the sur- 
viving friends must be inspired with a hope 
otherwise utterly unattainable. And surely, 
" A hope so much divine, 

May trials well endure." 
i 

Finally, the uncertainty of earthly happiness 

may be plainly discovered from the preceding 
narrative. To her parents, Caroline was cer- 
tainly a child of much promise ; intelligent, ac- 
complished, affectionate, and obedient. What 
a pleasing prospect of increasing satisfaction 
must they have built on such a foundation! 
But, alas ! how soon were these fond expecta- 
tions frustrated ! Cut down in the bloom of 
life, she has left them to mourn the instability 
of sublunary bliss. May they, as well as the 
writer, and every reader of these remarks, learn, 
and ever recollect, that there is nothing certain, 
as a foundation of a hope of happiness — nothing 
to be depended upon, beneath the unchange- 
able God. Amen. 



APPENDIX 



The following letters were addressed to Mrs. 
Jones, a sister of Mrs. Smelt, residing in New- 
York, in order to inform her of the state of 
Dr. Smelt's family, in whose happiness she was 
known to feel a lively interest. As they were 
written by a gentleman of unquestionable vera- 
city, who daily visited Caroline during her last 
illness, and had the best opportunites of wit- 
nessing the exercises of her mind on that trying 
occasion, it has been thought that they might 
be here subjoined, with propriety and advan- 
tage by way of appendix. 

Augusta, 18th September, 1817. 
Dear Madam, 

By desire of your sister* Mrs. Smelt, 
who is so much debilitated, by sickness and 
watching, and who is so incessantly engaged in 
nursing her husband and her daughter, as to 
unfit her for writing, I address a few lines to 
you ; both that you may be informed of the 
real situation of the family, and that you may 
receive consolation from the knowledge, that 



152 APPENDIX. 

this visitation of the Lord has been productive 
of incalculable advantage to your niece, even 
should it be his will to direct (as to this life) a 
fatal termination. 

Your sister herself has had a severe attack, 
but is now sufficiently recovered to be about 
the^ house. The Doctor has been seriously 
indisposed for a week past* and is yet confined 
to his bed : and their beloved daughter paro" 
line has been nearly three weeks threatened 
with dissolution, from the violence of fever; 
but is not now considered by her physicians in 
a hopeless state. 

To you, who so well know the affectionate 
and tender disposition of Caroline, and the 
mutual fondness that subsisted between her 
parents and herself, it is unnecessary to say 
what a bereavement her mother would sustain, 
should the curtain of death intervene, and sepa- 
rate them till that " day for which all other 
days were made." This event, heaven, I be- 
lieve and hope, will, at this time, avert. But 
should it occur, your sister Smelt might rejoice 
amidst the depth of her anguish, in the recol- 
lection that she has given birth to and reared up 
a mortal for the climes of immortality — that the 
child of her bosom has been prepared, by 
mercy and grace, for reposing for ever in the 
feosora of her God. 



APPENDIX. 153 

Diseases truly are the servants of the Lord, 
and will accomplish that, " whereunto they are 
sent." In this instance it has effected glorious 
things, by convincing all around her that she is 
one of the " little flock of Christ/ 7 More com- 
posure or serenity, during her painful illness? 
has hardly ever been manifested ; and as com- 
plete resignation to the will of God as could 
have been exhibited by a veteran Christian. If 
in any thing there has been too much anxiety, 
it was, that it would please her Heavenly Father 
to receive her to himself, during her present 
malady. But in this she has the example of St. 
Paul, who desired to be with Christ, which he 
esteemed " far better" than remaining here. All 
her conversation evidences a heavenly Handed- 
ness which every Christian might desire to attain; 
and the fervency, animation, and propriety of 
her addresses to the throne of grace, would put 
to the blush every lukewarm professor. She 
desires it to be known as her intention, should 
she be spared until an opportunity offers, to 
unite herself to the church which her Saviour 
has instituted, and to devote herself to the 
service of him, who died for the redemption of 
sinners. A week hence, I will again inform you 
of the state of your sister's family, should she 
herself be unable. Pages would not convey all 
that your sister wishes communicated ; but the 



154 APPENDIX. 

time of closing the mail is too near at hand to 
permit my adding more. 

Augusta has been universally unhealthy this 
autumn. Mrs. M. continues very unwell, but 
desires her love to you. 

I am, dear friend, 

Your's, truly, in Christ, 

A...... M..-.. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Jones. 






Augusta, 21st September, 1817. 

Dear Madam, 

Last post I addressed you, to inform you 
of the distressing circumstances of your sister's 
family. Mrs Smelt continues as well as then, 
and the Doctor is considerably better: but 
Caroline is asleep in Jesus. This evening at four 
o'clock she closed her eyes on sublunary things, 
and *' her spirit returned to God who gave it." 
Happy girl ! she has rejoined her sisters and 
brother in the realms of glory, where the pangs 
of separation can be no more experienced. 

Blessed be the Lord, she was prepared for 
her departure. A full reliance on the merits and 
atonement of her Saviour constituted her hopes 
of happiness. Her death-bed was a lesson to all 
who approached it; although for the last twelve 
or fifteen hours of her life, she was speechless, 
in a kind of stupor. But while her powers of 



APPENDIX. 155 

utterance were continued, she ceased not to 
proclaim the love of God, and the all- sufficiency 
of her Redeemer. " Weep not for me," she would 
say to her mother, " I am and shall be infinitely 
happy. Be comforted, my dear mother, and 
rejoice in my felicity." And indeed, if any 
thing can comfort her mother and father under 
so severe an affliction, a confidence that their 
" loss is her eternal gain" alone can do it. They 
are both much more resigned and composed, 
than could reasonably be expected, from the 
incalculable loss they have sustained. 

May the God, who has directed this event, 
bestow on them the consolations of his Holy 
Spirit, and give them a name of more importance 
than that derived from sons and daughters. I 
have just left the house, and it is, indeed, one 
of mourning and woe. But they " mourn not 
as those without hope." I have only time to 
add my best respects; and am, madam, in the 
bonds of Jesus, 

Yours truly, 

A M.,.. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Jones. 



Augusta, 23d September, 1817. 
Dear Madam, 

Convinced of your solicitude to know 
how your sister has supported the clamitious 



156 APPENDIX. 

event, of which it was my painful duty to inform 
you by last mail, I again drop you a few lines, 
to say, that through the goodness and mercy of 
God, in convincing them that his glory and the 
felicity of the deceased would be promoted, 
both your sister and her husband, the Doctor, 
are calm and resigned. They sorrow indeed ; 
but " not as those without hope." The mortal 
remains of the beloved Caroline were yesterday 
deposited in the ground ; but her immortal 
spirit has caused the angels in heaven to rejoice 
in such an accession to the number of " the 
spirits of the just made perfect." I left the 
mourning parents a few moments ago ; and the 
Christians consolation is theirs. They weep; 
but it is for themselves— not for their daughter. 
Their house is, as it were, " left unto them 
desolate ; for they no longer see their chief 
earthly joy ; they hear no more the footsteps of 
their Caroline, nor does her loved voice sound 
in their ears any more. She cannot " return 
to them f but it comforts them to know that 
" they may go to her" They have looked to 
the author of their past joys and their present 
sorrows, for relief; and he has tranquillized their 
bosoms. " The Lord gave, and the Lord hath 
taken away ;" and they can devoutly add, 
" blessed be the name of the Lord." Your 
sister will write to you, if nothing prevent, in 



APPENDIX. 157 

the course of a week ; at present, her nerves are 
too much affected for such an effort. The fever 
has entirely left her, and the Doctor is recover- 
ing fast. When she does write, you will be 
astonished to hear what " a preacher of righte- 
ousness" her daughter was to all who visited 
her during her confinement to that bed from 
which her spirit winged its flight to heaven. 
Few death-bed scenes have afforded so much 
instruction. Having experienced, herself, the 
high hopes of the Christian, and participating 
daily in the love and merits of the Redeemer of 
mankind, she strove, with all the powers of an 
almost inspired eloquence, to induce every one 
around her to embrace that Saviour whose arms 
would receive everj fallen child of Adam that 
would turn to him, and rely on his ability and 
willingness to save. Her admonitions will, I 
trust, be remembered with benefit, by many 
of her companions, and their intercourse be 
revived beyond the gra*-e. 

Poor Cornelia! I sympathize wiih her, for 
she has lost a bosom friend. Mrs. M. continues 
unwell, desires her love. In haste, I am, dear 
madam, 

Yours, very sincerely, 

A M.... 

Mrs, Elizabeth Jones. 



158 * APPENDIX. 

The following letter \fras addressed to the 
Editor, since he undertook to compile the 

preceding memoirs, by the Rev. Mr. D , a 

clergyman of the Methodist connexion, resident 
in Augusta, whose reputation, as a pious and 
prudent man, is well established. 



Augusta, May 8th, 1818. 

Dear Sir, 

Agreeable to your request, 1 now write 
you a few observations, concerning some of the 
spiritual exercises of Miss Caroline Smelt, during 
her last illness, so far as I was an eye-witness of 
the same. The first conversation that 1 had 
with her on a religious subject, was on Saturday 
evening, tbe 6ih of September last. She had 
professed to find peace with God on the Tues- 
day before; and I thought, for my own part, 
that she had every genuine mark of a truly con- 
verted soul. There appeared to be a sweet 
humility, and an amiable simplicity in all her 
conversation. Her whole delight seemed to be 
to talk of the goodness ofOod to her soul; and 
she frequently asked me, if I had any doubt on 
my mind of her being a child of God, and if I 
felt willing to acknowledge her as a sister in 
Christ. She was very desirous of receiving the 
Lords Supper on the following Sabbath, which 



APPENDIX. 159 

I had agreed to administer to her; but it was 
thought by her friends, that her body was in 
too weak a} state for her to receive such an 
ordinance. For several days following, she 
frequently expressed her gratitude and surprise, 
that she had come so easily through the pangs 
of the new birth. It continued to be her 
greatest delight to talk about the goodness of 
God; and though her friends would often re- 
mind her of her bodily weakness, and advise her 
to be silent, she would assure them that she felt 
perfectly easy. 

Her mind was most remarkably resigned to 
the divine will. The fear of death was entirely 
taken away: and though she would sometimes 
express " a desire to depart and be with Christ, 
which was far better/' yet no impatient word 
ever escaped her. She always expressed herself, 
as willing to live and suffer, as much longer as 
the Ltfrd should please to be the case. 

On Sabbath day, the 7th of September, she 
desired the prayers of the congregation, not so 
much for the recovery of her health, as that the 
will of God should be continually done in her, 
and by her. She appeared to be anxious, that 
as many others as possible should hear of the 
goodness of God to her soul ; and, understand- 
ing that I was to attend a camp-meeting shortly, 
she desired that I would publicly tell the con- 



160 APPENDIX. 

gregation what the Lord had done for her soul. 
She seemed to regret that she had never made a 
public profession of religion in time of health ; 
but expressed her determination to do so, should 
the Lord ever raise her up again. In the mean 
time, she declared that she was not ashamed of 
the gospel of Christ. 

In this happy state of mind she continued, 
with little or no variation, till the Sabbath day, 
21st of September, when her happy spirit took 
its flight to that " rest that remains for the peo- 
ple of God." There can be no reasonable doubt 
of the reality of her conversion to God, and 
that she died a true believer in Christ. 

I remain, dear sir, 
Yours in the gospel of our common Lord, 

S D 

Rev. Moses Waddel, 

fVillington, South- Carolina. 



FINIS, 



K, Tilling, Printer^ Liverpool. 



